The National Leadership Coalition (NLC) was established in 2003, and is composed of major social work organizations including NASW, CSWE, NADD, BPD, SSWR, IASWR, ANSWER, the VA, and NYAM. The group's underlying strategy has been to provide coordinated national leadership committed to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of social workers who care for older adults. Initially, the Coalition established four objectives that would result in long term funding to sustain education and training in geriatric social work. These objectives included: (i) an assessment of current and future supply and demand of social workers; (ii) conveying an explicit case for how social work services are cost-effective; (iii) translation of how social work effectiveness has implications on practice and policy, and (iv) aligning funding for social work education and training with evidence of cost-effectiveness. From these objectives, five focus areas were outlined for additional action: through Workforce, Image, Policy, Practice Research, and Education/Training. In essence, the NLC has launched a multilevel intervention to ensure the longevity of professional social workers committed to aging issues.

Each of the five areas of focus is still being carried out by members of the NLC. Regarding the Workforce, a sampling strategy was developed to include policy and practice at all levels, to assess the current social worker population, and to integrate this knowledge into policy advocacy materials. Members addressing Image sought develop a media campaign using "stories" from employers and families served by social workers, to describe and publicize the differences between clinical and "non-clinical" social workers, and to articulate the value of social work services using cost effectiveness materials. Those members addressing Policy are in the process of establishing what government payers understand about social work, determine how to use cost effectiveness papers to educate policy makers, and, through articulation and identification of best practices and required competencies, develop a strategy to secure reimbursement for social work practice. Addressing Practice Research involves development of research standards and an overarching research agenda that includes demonstrated practice effectiveness (such as evidence based practice) and competencies for social workers. Finally, members addressing Education and Training built on existing competencies for various educational levels, as well as developed support for educational assistance. Patricia Volland, Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance at NYAM, and Director of the SWLI, has taken a significant role in contributing to two of the five focus areas, by addressing both Education and Training, and Policy. The NLC's original strategic plan is available in PDF for downloading and printing.

NLC Publications

The Studies of the Efficacy of Social Work Services in Aging With a Focus on Cost Outcomes: Preliminary Key Points and Information was commissioned by the National Leadership Coalition and the New York Academy of Medicine to identify the current knowledge on the effectiveness of social work services. It was underwritten with funding from The John A. Hartford Foundation. The study may be useful to researchers, policy experts, educators, practitioners and students. These documents are available in PDF for downloading and printing.

Efficacy Final Report, Efficacy Table 1, Efficacy Table 2, Efficacy Table 3, Efficacy Annotated Bibliography

Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement of Social Work Services in Aging

Commissioned by the National Leadership Coalition and the New York Academy of Medicine as a part of the study on the effectiveness of social work services. This fact sheet may be useful to politicians, practitioners and researchers. The document is available in PDF for downloading and printing.