NASW Foundation Vice Chair (2001-2004)

Joan O. Weiss, ACSW

Joan O. Weiss, ACSW

Joan O. Weiss, ACSW, Consultant in Genetic Support, has been the Co-Director of the Human Genome Education Model Project (HuGEM), an internationally recognized genetics education program for health professionals. She has chaired the NASW working group on standards for including genetics into the clinical practice of social workers.  

She is the Founding Director of the Genetic Alliance (formerly the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups), which is an umbrella organization for genetic support groups nationwide.  In addition, Ms. Weiss was Executive Director of the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups, Adjunct Instructor at the Department of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Vermont, Instructor at Georgetown University Hospital, and Senior Social Worker in Genetics at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. 

Membership in professional organizations include:  the Academy of Certified Social Workers; American College of Medical Genetics; American Society of Human Genetics; National Association of Social Workers; and National Society of Genetic Counselors.  She also serves as an Advisory Board Member, Committee Member, Consultant or participant in professional organizations, support groups, National Institutes of Health (NIH) conferences, working groups, and editorial boards. 

Ms. Weiss is a leading spokesperson for the role of social work in genetics.  She provides lectures and workshops at universities, hospitals and at various support group conferences in the U.S. and Europe.  She also serves on several Grant Advisory/Peer Review Committees.  A number of national and regional genetic support groups, including the National Marfan Foundation and Neurofibromatosis, Inc. have honored Joan Weiss.  She received the NASW Foundation Knee/Wittman Health/Mental Health Outstanding Achievement Award in 1999 and is listed in Who’s Who of American Women: 2000-2001, and Who’s Who in America, 2001.  

She has published articles in a number of books and journals including: the American Journal of Human Genetics, Journal of Genetic Counseling, Health and Social Work, and the American Journal of Medical GeneticsMs. Weiss received a BA Degree from Barnard College and a Masters in Social Work Degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.  She has been an active member of NASW since 1956 and was honored as a member of the NASW Social Work Pioneers in 2001. 




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In Episode 5, NASW Social Work Talks Podcast features the Director of the NASW Foundation, Bob Arnold.   Tune in for a discussion about the Foundation's many educational, research, and  charitable  initiatives.