Charlotte clinical social worker named NASW-NC 2014 Social Worker of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1/28/2014

Contact: Valerie Arendt, Associate Executive Director
919-828-9650
valerie@naswnc.org

Charlotte clinical social worker named NASW-NC 2014 Social Worker of the Year

DeWitt Black has been named the 2014 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC).

The NASW-NC Social Worker of the Year Award is an annual award given to a social work professional in North Carolina who has demonstrated commendable social work practice and involvement with NASW and other professional, civic, and community organizations.

DeWitt Black, LCSW, ACSW has spent the last 20 years working for Carolinas HealthCare System at Carolinas Rehabilitation. During his tenure, he has shown unwavering commitment to the populations he serves. His peers recognize him as a dedicated, empathic, and resilient person and social worker.

In the context of his clinical work, Black has exemplified a genuine commitment to excellence, accurately represented by his esteemed reputation in the field. He gracefully navigates the challenges of working in a multi-disciplinary health care setting and seeks to work within the context of the patient’s family, community, and other care providers to provide the best care plan possible.

Beyond his steadfast dedication to his patients, Black has served his colleagues and community in several roles, including as a teacher, mentor, supervisor, community organizer, advocate, and leader. Black has been called upon to assist and advise other social work professionals in the greater Charlotte area. Additionally, Black has selflessly given back to the community in a more personal context as a member of the Patriot Guard and a volunteer for the Wounded Warrior Project.

According to Peter Cassidy, Vice President of Carolinas Rehabilitation, "Dewitt has a natural gift for connecting with people in difficulty.” Cassidy added, "Quite simply, he lives the values and principles of the profession of Social Work.”

Mr. Black will be honored at the NASW-NC Annual Ethics Conference and Awards Luncheon on March 7, 2014 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is a membership organization that promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the effective functioning and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through its work and advocacy.