Comprehensive data on Hawaiʻi’蝉 social work workforce is essential to addressing staffing shortages and improving recruitment and retention efforts statewide. To fill this gap, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补’蝉 ’蝉 launched a through its . The initiative seeks to identify where social workers are employed, the roles they fill, barriers to licensure, and the critical services they provide.
Having a clearer picture of Hawaiʻi‘s social work workforce is essential to addressing shortages and preparing future social workers…
—Wendy Lum
“The survey aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Hawaiʻi‘s social work workforce so educators, policymakers, employers and community organizations can better respond to workforce shortages and strengthen pathways into the profession,” said Kristl Nakamura, the workforce hub’蝉 data coordinator.
Respondents are asked about the most rewarding aspects of their work, job search experiences, and the variety of settings in which they practice—from hospitals and shelters to schools and government agencies.
Anyone with a social work degree who is connected to the profession in Hawaiʻi is encouraged to .
“Helping students attain their bachelor’s or master’s in social work is only one part of growing the workforce,” said Wendy Lum, director of the Workforce Development Hub. “Having a clearer picture of Hawaiʻi‘s social work workforce is essential to addressing shortages and preparing future social workers to meet community needs.”
Data to address critical shortages
The need for stronger data comes as Hawaiʻi continues to face severe social worker shortages. In 2024, the reported a 17& vacancy rate in healthcare settings. Additionally, a noted that shortages remain critical in rural communities, including Maui, Kauaʻi and Molokaʻi.
“As we learned during the Maui fires, social workers provide critical mental health support to families and individuals in moments when they need it most,” said Aimee Chung, state advisor of the . “Without accurate workforce data, it becomes harder to advocate for the resources, funding and training needed to sustain our mental health workforce.”
The Department of Social Work and Workforce Hub will share survey results through summary reports and infographics to help guide workforce development efforts, advocacy and future strategies to strengthen and support social workers statewide.