Founded in 1957 the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 155,000 members in 55 chapters. The Massachusetts Chapter, with about 8,300 members, is the major professional social work organization in the state. NASW is committed to advancing professional social work practice and the profession; and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice, and unimpeded access to services for everyone. Its members work in a broad range of settings including hospitals and other health care settings, community agencies, government, academia, business, nursing homes, schools, and private practice.

The Chapter office is located at 14 Beacon Street, Suite 409, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. The staff is available to respond to member inquiries regarding social work practice, legislative and social policy issues, continuing education, licensing issues, and other informational requests. The Chapter maintains hotlines for Managed Care, Social Policy Issues, and Ethical Issues. There are separate confidential phones dedicated to the Chapter's Social Workers Assistance Network (SWAN), a service to help social workers who are experiencing substance abuse or mental health difficulty (1-800-635-SWAN), and the Social Work Therapy Referral Service (SWTRS) matches clients and clinical social workers in private practice (617-720-2828 or 1-800-242-9794).

The Chapter has about 35 active Committees and Commissions, and 5 Regional Councils to both involve members throughout the state, and better serve the social work community. These entities work on professional, social policy, and legislative issues, sponsor conferences, and provide a source of networking for members.

The Chapter provides career services assistance to members through a job listings book and material to help job seekers. NASW Volunteer, Kate May  ext. 30 or socwkr1018@aol.com is available by phone, email and appointment to help members on career and job search issues.