Listening to social workers through community conversations

The community conversations, an ASWB initiative to conduct qualitative research on experiences with licensing and the exams, are nearing the halfway point. Final results will be published alongside pass data in August 2023 and will be used as ASWB reenvisions its competence assessments.

So far, more than 120 social workers have contributed to the community conversations through three in-person sessions, four online sessions, and the self-paced survey. According to data provided by in-person and online session participants who chose to fill out a demographic survey, the largest representation came from women and from Black social workers; most participants have a Master of Social Work degree.

We are grateful for these frank discussions and appreciative of all who have attended and for those we will meet over the next few weeks.

The community conversations are being conducted by the independent firm Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO). The research team is collaborating with The Code Group, a woman- and Black-owned firm that is providing facilitation to support inclusion and trust.

“The community conversations have been authentic and meaningful,” said Shelly McDowell-Porter, Ph.D., LCSW, who serves as the HumRRO research team’s technical advisor and manager and who conceived the journey map concept used to gather qualitative data. “Participants have been candid and forthcoming about their perspectives on complex, real-world issues impacting the test-taker experience and the social work community. We are grateful for these frank discussions and appreciative of all who have attended and for those we will meet over the next few weeks.”

There is still time to participate. All voices are welcome!