Did you know social workers are making an impact in the NFL? In this episode, we explore the growing field of sports social work and what it's really like to support professional football players and retired athletes. From mental health and substance use concerns to career transitions and family support, social workers play a vital role both on and off the field.

We also discuss common interventions, ethical dilemmas unique to professional sports, and how new NFL mandates around behavioral health are creating exciting career opportunities for social workers interested in sports.

In this episode, we cover:

• What social workers do in the NFL and professional sports
• How social workers support current and former players
• Common interventions, including crisis support and mental health care
• Ethical challenges and confidentiality concerns in sports settings
• New NFL policies that are expanding opportunities for social workers

If you've ever wondered what a career in sports social work looks like, this episode will give you an inside look at one of the most unique and rapidly growing areas of the profession.

Devon Lewis-Buchanan has built his career on the belief that leadership rooted in empathy and service can transform people, teams, and communities.A former NFL hopeful who once earned a tryout with the Oakland Raiders, Devon’s journey has come full circle. He returned to the organization as Director of Alumni Benefits & Resources, helping redefine how professional sports teams support their former players, setting a new standard for alumni care and transition services.Now serving as Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Employee Experience for the Las Vegas Raiders, Devon leads strategies that integrate diversity, wellness, recognition, and community impact, creating a holistic, human-centered employee experience.As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), Devon is deeply committed to cultivating environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

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Social media can be a powerful tool for networking, education, and advocacy—but one post, comment, or direct message can create ethical concerns and professional liability. In this episode, we discuss practical guidelines for maintaining professional boundaries online, protecting client confidentiality, and avoiding common social media mistakes that can put your reputation and license at risk.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Common social media mistakes social workers make

• Tips for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting confidentiality
• Best practices for building an ethical online presence

Whether you're active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, or just thinking about posting more, this episode will help you navigate social media with confidence and professionalism.

Our guest Jennifer Flynn, CPHRM, is Vice President of Risk Management for Healthcare Providers Service Organization of Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. Specializing in risk management and having worked in the health care insurance business for over 21 years, Jennifer is dedicated to educating health care professionals on professional liability risks and offers strategies to mitigate those risks by supporting patient safety principles and developing quality management programs. In addition to being a frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability, Jennifer is also a published author on various risk management topics. Jennifer is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management and is a licensed Property & Casualty agent. She earned a BA in Psychology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

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⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise!

Email Resource List⁠⁠⁠

⁠Tap Here⁠⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

⁠HPSO⁠ Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

⁠RISE Directory⁠ for Clinical Supervision

Social Work is no longer considered a "professional degree" by the Department of Education. In this episode, Catherine Moore, LCSW will break down what these changes mean for current and future social workers, including the potential impact on affordability, workforce shortages, and access to social work education.

We discuss:

• The new federal student loan limits for social work students
• Why BSW and MSW education are not equivalent when it comes to licensure and independent practice
• How these changes may disproportionately affect low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students
• The potential effects on workforce shortages, caseloads, and access to services
• Whether these changes could increase demand and pay for social workers—or lead to the hiring of less-qualified professionals
• NASW's response and current advocacy efforts

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As the demand for mental health and social services continues to grow, these policy changes could have long-term consequences for the profession and the communities we serve.

If you're a social work student, associate, licensed social worker, educator, or supervisor, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.

Review and sign the petition here.

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Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠

Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

____________________________________

Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision