Rep. Sciortino is regarded as a stalwart champion for rights and benefits to social workers, children, and families by the National Association of Social Workers. Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Representative Carl Sciortino of Medford and Somerville has won the 2011 Legislator of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter, sharing the award with his colleague state Senator James Eldridge of Acton.

Sciortino was given the award for his efforts in improving social worker safety in the work place and establishing paid sick days. He’s also taken an interest in coordinating children’s mental health services, providing housing for low-income families and advocating for transgender peoples’ rights.

“Since he has been in office, Representative Sciortino has been a true ally for social work values and the NASW-MA legislative agenda,” said Carol Trust, Executive Director of NASW, MA. “We were thrilled to recognize his efforts, last week, on behalf of the children and families, as well as the social workers of Massachusetts.”

The NASW is a national group that maintains professional standards for Social Workers nationwide, with over 145,000 members. They are responsible for keeping a “Code of Ethics” that is intended to be a guide to professional conduct among social workers.