Social Workers’ Role in Addressing Harmful Substance Use

SPS Webinar

Social Workers’ Role in Addressing Harmful Substance Use

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (1 – 2:30 pm ET)

Presenter: Nick Szubiak, MSW, LiCSW

CEs: 1.5 Substance Use Disorder contact hours

Join us for an insightful webinar on the vital role social workers can play in addressing harmful substance use. This webinar highlights the vital role social workers can play in addressing harmful substance use, particularly for those with mild to moderate substance use disorders (SUDs). Drawing from Pew Trusts' research, we will explore how social workers are uniquely positioned to intervene, screen, and refer clients to appropriate care. We’ll also discuss the importance of increasing SUD-specific training, improving reimbursement rates, and implementing policy reforms to fully utilize their potential in SUD prevention and treatment.

Objectives:

• Identify Social Work Interventions in SUD Care: Social workers will learn how to effectively screen, intervene, and refer clients with mild to moderate substance use disorders (SUDs), applying core social work competencies.
• Enhance Client Engagement and Brief Interventions: Social workers will develop practical skills to deliver brief interventions and motivational interviewing techniques tailored to substance use challenges, aligning with social work principles of client-centered care.

• Advocate for Systemic Changes in SUD Treatment: Social workers will gain tools to advocate for policy changes, including increased SUD training and equitable reimbursement structures, enhancing their role in integrated care settings.

Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $20 / Non-NASW Member: $40