Director of Policy & Legislation - California

To be considered for this position, please upload your resume, cover letter and writing sample demonstrating legislative drafting skills at the prompt.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Policy and Legal to join our dynamic team. As the Director of Policy and Legal, you will play a critical role in shaping and advancing our organization's policy agenda and legal initiatives. The ideal candidate will also be required to be a legislative writer, also known as a legislative drafter or legislative counsel, and is a professional responsible for crafting legislation, such as bills, resolutions, and amendments. Their primary role is to transform policy ideas into clear and concise legal language that can be understood and implemented by lawmakers.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies, as well as providing expert guidance on legislative matters. This position requires exceptional legal knowledge, policy analysis skills, and the ability to draft legislation to effectively advocate for social work professionals and the clients they serve.

You will play a pivotal role in advancing NASW's policy agenda and providing expert guidance on ethical issues and dilemmas faced by social work professionals. This position requires exceptional knowledge of Policy advocacy, legislative processes, and ethical principles in the field of social work. Your direct report will be the executive director. 

If you possess a passion for social justice, a keen legal mind, and a deep understanding of Policy development and legislative processes, we encourage you to apply for this vital role. Join NASW in our mission to empower social workers and advocate for meaningful change in policies and laws that impact the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

1. Policy Strategy and Development:

• Develop and execute comprehensive policy strategies aligned with NASW's mission and goals.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of relevant policy issues, identifying emerging trends and potential impacts on the social work profession.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to prioritize policy issues and develop action plans to address them effectively.
• Engage with external partners, such as lawmakers, government agencies, and coalitions, to build relationships and promote NASW's policy priorities.

2. Legislative Drafting and Advocacy:

• Draft legislation and policy proposals that align with NASW's advocacy priorities and effectively address key issues impacting social work professionals and their clients.
• Analyze existing legislation and propose amendments or revisions to improve the impact and effectiveness of social work laws and regulations.
• Engage in lobbying efforts to promote NASW's legislative agenda and build support among policymakers and key stakeholders.
• Provide expert testimony and represent NASW's interests during legislative hearings, forums, and public events.

3. Legal Expertise and Support:

• Offer legal guidance and expertise to NASW staff, members, and affiliated organizations on matters related to social work practice, licensure, ethics, and other legal issues.
• Monitor and analyze legal developments at the federal, state, and local levels to identify potential impacts on the social work profession and recommend appropriate responses.
• Collaborate with NASW's Legal Defense Fund to support legal efforts and provide strategic guidance in cases that have broad implications for social work practice.

4. Ethical Consultation:

• Provide expert guidance and consultation to social work professionals, NASW staff, and affiliated organizations on ethical issues and dilemmas in social work practice.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of ethical challenges faced by social workers and recommend appropriate courses of action based on NASW's Code of Ethics and relevant legal and regulatory standards.
• Develop resources and materials to support social work professionals in navigating ethical dilemmas and maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• Collaborate with NASW's Ethics Committee and other relevant stakeholders to review and revise ethical guidelines and policies.

5. Education and Training:

• Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and webinars on policy advocacy and ethical practice for NASW members and social work professionals.
• Stay abreast of emerging policy and ethical issues in social work practice and incorporate relevant updates into training materials and resources.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and other professional events to represent NASW, raise awareness about policy advocacy and ethical practice, and promote NASW's resources and initiatives.

6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with other NASW departments, chapters, and affiliated organizations to coordinate policy advocacy efforts and ensure consistent messaging and strategies.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy groups, to build strategic partnerships, coalitions, and alliances in support of NASW's policy agenda.
• Represent NASW's interests and perspectives in meetings, public hearings, and other forums related to policy advocacy and ethical practice.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program. Licensure as a social worker is desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative processes, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of social work ethics and the NASW Code of Ethics is essential.
• Demonstrated understanding of Policy development, legislative procedures, and advocacy strategies.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, legislative drafting, and legal advocacy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and information clearly and concisely.
• Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze policy issues, identify ethical considerations, and propose effective solutions.
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and the values of the social work profession.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
NASW policy generally requires that all employees complete a primary COVID-19 vaccination series and receive a booster vaccination when eligible. (Employees are not required to obtain an updated (bivalent) booster, which became available in September 2022, if they received a booster previously, but are encouraged to do so when eligible.) If an offer of employment is made, the candidate, as a condition of employment, will be required to provide documentation (such as a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card) showing that they satisfy this requirement. If the candidate does not currently meet this requirement but will in the near future, NASW may be able to postpone the start date to allow the candidate to be compliant with the requirement. Candidates may request a medical or religious exemption for this requirement.

NASW is an equal opportunity employer.  As such, NASW is committed to promoting and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees.  The selection of personnel, including new hires and promotions, will be on the basis of qualifications designed to ensure appointments of persons able to effectively discharge the duties and responsibilities of their position.  The Association will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  The Association will also abide by applicable Affirmative Action requirements mandated by any federal contracts.