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I. MAJOR FUNCTIONS

The Policy & Engagement Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting the NASW-NJ Chapter’s Executive Director in shaping and advancing the policy agenda and legislative initiatives. The PEC reports directly to the Executive Director and will be responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of strategies, as well as providing expert guidance on legislative matters. The PEC will work closely with the consulting lobbyist firm as directed by the Executive Director.

II. KEY DUTIES

1. Policy Strategy and Development:

• Assist the Executive Director with the development and execution of comprehensive policy strategies aligned with NASW-NJ's mission and goals.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of relevant policy issues, identifying emerging trends and potential impacts on the social work profession.
• Review policies selected in collaboration with PPAG and identify policy issues to assist the Executive Director with developing action plans to address them effectively.

2. Legislative Drafting and Advocacy:

• Draft legislation and policy proposals for the Executive Director’s review that align with NASW's association and chapter 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.
• Monitor, analyze, and track legislation affecting social workers and the communities they serve at the state and federal levels. 
• When asked, provide expert testimony during legislative hearings, forums, and public events.

3. Expertise and Support:

• Provide weekly policy updates to the Executive Director and NASW-NJ team, ensuring internal alignment on advocacy efforts.
• Offer policy and legislative guidance and expertise to NASW staff, members, and affiliated organizations on matters related to social work practice, licensure, ethics, and other issues.
• When asked, attend NASW National Policy meetings monthly and provide a summary report to the Executive Director.
• Monitor and analyze policy and legislative developments at the federal, state, and local levels to identify potential impacts on the social work profession and recommend appropriate responses.
• Provide policy briefings and legislative updates to NASW-NJ members, keeping them informed on key legislative developments. 
• Develop resources, toolkits, and training for social workers to engage in advocacy efforts. 
• Respond to policy inquiries from members, offering guidance on licensure laws, regulations, and social work practice issues. 
• Collaborate with NASW departments to support 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-NJ
  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.

5. Education and Training:

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

6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with other NASW departments, chapters, and affiliated organizations to coordinate policy and legislative advocacy efforts and ensure consistent messaging and strategies.
• Staff and coordinate with the chapter PACE (Political Action for Legislative Election) and LASA (Legislative and Social Action) committees. Work with member volunteers and collaborators to create committee priorities that align with the chapter and engage members in actions to reach the goals.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy groups, to build strategic partnerships, coalitions, and alliances in support of NASW’s association and chapter policy agenda.
• Represent NASW's association and chapter interests and perspectives in meetings, public hearings, and other forums related to policy advocacy and ethical practice.

Additional responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned by Executive Director and Operations Manager.
• Attends chapter events, such as annual conferences, Fall events, and support for workshops as needed.
• Manages the internal advocacy mailbox and responds accordingly.
• This position qualifies for telework arrangement, as outlined in the chapter policy, but is required to work in-person at least two days per week and may require travel.
• This position may require some evening and weekend availability.
• This position will need to have access to reliable transportation and be available to be in the field.

III. MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate across sectors and with diverse stakeholders.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Knowledge:

• Preferred bachelor’s degree.
• Requires experience and skills with Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  Strong project and financial management software/abilities, i.e. QuickBooks.
• Technical proficiency including digital phone systems, cloud-based document storage, Zoom management, organizing data, etc.
• Demonstrated operational and program management experience.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience: 

• Master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program. Licensure as a social worker is desirable.
• Minimum of 2-3 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.
• 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.

IV. ATTRIBUTES

• Results driven: This individual sees the big picture, assists with the development and monitoring of key performance metrics to produce the desired results.  
• Strong business acumen: This individual sees opportunities and emerging trends, and is knowledgeable about the operations, unique needs, and goals specific to member-driven, not-for-profit organizations. 
• Partnership: This individual is able to build trust internally and externally and must be viewed as highly professional, discreet, and accountable.
• Organizational agility: This individual has a thoughtful, respectful communication style that fosters an open environment, enabling thought-provoking discussions and collaborative decision making. 
• Perceptive:  This individual is creative and intuitively recognizes opportunities and takes appropriate action.