Dawson, currently a consultant with Serco Education and Children's Services and chair of the National Academy for Parenting Practitioners, will replace outgoing BASW chief executive Ian Johnston in April. Johnston has headed up BASW for 10 years.
Dawson, a registered social worker, was MP for Lancaster and Wyre between 1997 and 2005, and became chief executive of children's charity Shaftesbury Young People after leaving Parliament.
BASW chair Ronnie Barnes said: "Hilton Dawson comes with an impressive record in social work and will be a passionate and committed advocate for social workers and service users".
Dawson said: "I believe social work to be the most important job in the world because of the part social workers play in helping people make the best of their lives and in contributing to the betterment of society.
"As chief executive of the professional organisation for social workers in all four countries of the UK, I will work hard with members to ensure that our achievements and views are highlighted and understood by policymakers and wider society."
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