Social Work Workforce, Licensing, and Hawai'i: An Overview

Social work is an academic and professional discipline that has been part of the Hawai'i social service workforce since the late 1800s. As the largest provider of mental health services in the United States, social work is a regulated profession in Hawai'i, but current information about the size and scope of the profession is limited by significant data issues stemming from varying definitions at state and federal levels. However, the need for more social work professionals in the state, which is already experiencing a social work workforce shortage, is clear. In addition, opportunities to support the social work workforce exist through advocacy efforts and policy changes that would increase education and training opportunities as well as increase providers to meet the demands of the community.