Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)
Clinical Expertise in Working with Older Adults
Download the CSW-G Application
Who seeks this credential?
The field of gerontology recognizes that older adults have distinct characteristics that can be differentiated from earlier stages of adulthood. Social work practice with older adults encompasses a broad range of functions. Whether working in micro or macro settings, the primary goal of the social worker is to address the specific challenges of the aging process by promoting independence, autonomy, and dignity in later life. Clinical social workers in gerontology must be knowledgeable about unique legislation, policies and social programs that affect older adults in addition to being knowledgeable about the aging process and the issues older adults and their caregivers face; adept at accessing resources for clients; and strong advocates who champion their rights.
Masters level clinical social workers specializing in gerontology possess a variety of knowledge and skills necessary for working with older adults including: assessment of older adult needs and functional capacity and expertise regarding physical and mental health issues, case and care management, long-term care, elder abuse, quality of life issues, service planning and advance care planning, clinical practice, and administration.
What does this credential represent?
The CSW-G credential represents master’s level clinical expertise and excellence for social workers specializing in gerontology. The CSW-G was established in 2006, as one of the two gerontology certifications offered through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), to recognize expertise in service to older adults by master’s level social workers. The CSW-G credential certifiers that the holder has and MSW, and has met national standards of knowledge, skill, and clinical experience as a social worker in field of gerontology; obtained an additional two years of post master’s social work experience working with older adults and agreed to abide by the
NASW Code of Ethics, the NASW Standards for Social Work in Long-Term Care Facilities, and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
- Please read and review the complete criteria in the application
- A master’s degree in social work from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
- Thirty (30) contact hours of post-degree continuing professional education on bio-psychosocial issues, interventions, or the dynamics of working with the aging, and their families and caregivers
- Documentation of at least two (2) years (equivalent of 3,000 hours) of paid supervised, post-MSW clinical social work employment in an agency or organization that provides mental health assessment and treatment to the aging population
- Current state clinical social work license
- Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education