JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University’s Department of Social Work has announced plans to host its 45th Annual Jax State Social Work Conference on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Anniston City Meeting Center.
This year’s theme, “Training Grounds: Where Resilience Takes Root,” centers on equipping social workers and related professionals with practical tools to strengthen workforce resiliency and address the evolving challenges within behavioral health and human services fields.
The conference is open to social work practitioners, counselors, nurses, students, faculty, and community partners. Participants will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits, including 5.5 Social Work CEs, 5.5 Counselor CEs, and 6.75 Nursing CEs, to support professional development.
Conference programming will include a keynote presentation by Dr. Allan Barsky, focusing on smart technology, algorithms, and ethical considerations in social work during the age of artificial intelligence. Attendees will also have access to a range of interactive workshops, including clinical sessions, child and family-focused discussions, supervision training, ethics sessions, and lifespan-centered workshops.
Organizers say the event is designed to encourage collaboration across disciplines while providing tools to help professionals manage complex systems and avoid burnout.
“Our 45th Annual Social Work Conference highlights what happens when behavioral health sectors come together—better outcomes for the people we serve and a stronger, more supported workforce,” said Dr. Dominique Maywald, Assistant Professor of Social Work at Jacksonville State University. “Through cross-professional collaboration and practical strategies for resilience, we’re equipping practitioners to navigate complex systems without burning out.”
In addition to educational sessions, the conference will offer networking opportunities for professionals, educators, and students to connect and share best practices across fields.
Registration for the conference is now open. Additional information and registration details are available through the Eventbrite page at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/45th-annual-jax-state-social-work-conference-tickets-1979913927856?aff=oddtdtcreator
Jacksonville State University’s Department of Social Work focuses on preparing ethical and competent social work professionals through education, research, and community engagement, with an emphasis on promoting social justice and enhancing community well-being.
