How to Become a Social Worker in Hawaii
Hawaii, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is also home to a thriving community of social workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in Hawaii State earn a mean annual salary of $76,280. This is a substantial income, making the profession a lucrative one within this tropical paradise.
Moreover, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) ensures that social work programs uphold the highest education standards nationwide. Through CSWE accreditation, institutions guarantee their social work program’s quality, aligning their curriculum with nationally recognized academic standards. In Hawaii, only one university has achieved this coveted accreditation for its Baccalaureate (BSW) program.
Steps to Become a Social Worker in Hawaii State
Starting a career in social work in Hawaii involves a few essentials. Each of these steps of how to become a social worker in Hawaii has specific requirements that must be met.
1. Earn a Degree
Becoming a social worker in Hawaii typically begins with earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from an institution accredited by CSWE. The BSW program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the profession’s challenges. Coursework includes human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and more.
While a BSW is sufficient for entry-level positions, advanced roles typically require an MSW or higher. Advanced education provides an advantage to applicants and opens the door to a wider range of career opportunities.
2. Complete Fieldwork Hours
After earning a degree, completing the required fieldwork hours is the next step of how to become a social worker in Hawaii. For BSW graduates, field hours must be completed in a professional setting where students can gain hands-on experience dealing with real-world situations. Those wanting to work as an LCSW must fulfill 3,000 hours of post-master supervised work experience and a minimum of 100 face-to-face supervision.
3. Obtain a License
The final step to becoming a social worker in Hawaii is to obtain licensure from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). To do this, candidates must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam relevant to their level of education (either the Bachelor’s or the Master’s level exam). In addition to passing the exam, candidates must apply and pay the required fees. After completing these steps, they are officially licensed social workers, ready to contribute to their communities and impact the lives of individuals and families.
Social Work Degree Programs in Hawaii State
In Hawaii, aspiring social workers have a single CSWE-accredited social work program available to them. This program, offered by a distinguished university, provides the fundamental academic foundation necessary for a career in social work. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of this program and what it offers to students.
BSW Programs in Hawaii State
The Baccalaureate in Social Work (BSW) is a comprehensive, undergraduate-level program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a career in social work. It’s a four-year program that covers key areas of social work practice.
The BSW program in Hawaii is CSWE-accredited, meaning it meets the highest education standards set by the Council on Social Work Education. This accreditation assures students of the curriculum strength, faculty quality, and the program’s adherence to nationally recognized academic standards.
A standout feature of the BSW program is its focus on practical fieldwork. Students must complete a certain number of fieldwork hours in a professional setting. This hands-on experience exposes students to real-world situations, allowing them to apply the theories and techniques learned in the classroom. It also allows them to network with professionals in the field, which can benefit future job prospects.
In addition to practical experience, BSW graduates also gain a strong ethical foundation. They are taught to advocate for social justice, human rights, and well-being. A key part of their training involves understanding how to work with diverse populations and the unique cultural dynamics of Hawaii. This makes them well-equipped to tackle the challenges they may face in their social work career in Hawaii. This is the only CSWE-accredited university to offer BSW training in Hawaii:
Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI, on-campus, 4 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Baccalaureate
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Hawaii State
While a BSW degree is sufficient for entry-level positions in social work, students who aspire for advanced roles are often encouraged to pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). The BSW program provides a solid foundation for students who may wish to further their studies later.
Currently, there are no CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Hawaii. Students must look for out-of-state options to pursue a master’s degree. Fortunately, many out-of-state universities offer distance learning and online degree programs, allowing students to achieve their goals without relocating.
Online MSW Programs in Hawaii State
There are no CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Hawaii. However, students may still pursue an advanced degree by taking advantage of online program offerings from other states. These online programs provide the same rigorous curriculum found in on-campus programs, allowing students to access coursework material remotely.
Online MSW programs typically involve completing the same number of credit hours as an on-campus program but in a more flexible format. The asynchronous nature of distance learning makes it easier for students to balance their studies with other life commitments such as work or family. Additionally, online courses are often more affordable than traditional programs due to lower overhead costs and tuition discounts.
What Types of Social Workers Are in Hawaii State?
Finally, if you are still wondering how to become a social worker in Hawaii, you need a license. Hawaii offers a diverse range of social work specializations. Among the social work types are Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Hawaii is a generalist practitioner, providing direct services such as case management, group work, and community organization. They may work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, or social service agencies. LSWs require:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work.
- Pass the bachelor’s level ASWB exam.
- Application to the Hawaii DCCA
The Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Hawaii also requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work. LBSWs are similar to LSWs in that they provide direct services. However, they focus more on working with individuals, families, and groups. They assist clients by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. To become a licensed LBSW in Hawaii, the requirements are:
- Pass the Bachelor’s level ASWB exams
- Bachelor’s degree in social work
- Application to the DCCA
Lastly, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is considered an advanced level of social work practice in Hawaii. LCSWs provide mental health services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional disorders, and substance abuse. To become an LCSW in Hawaii, one must have a master’s degree in social work, complete two years of postgraduate supervised work experience, and pass the Clinical level ASWB examination. LCSW requires:
- A master’s degree in social work
- Two years of postgraduate supervised work experience
- Clinical level ASWB examination.
- Completion of 3,000 hours of clinical practice, with at least 100 in direct client contact.
- Application to the Hawaii DCCA
Social Work Licenses in Hawaii State
Hawaii boasts five types of social work licenses, each with different levels of education and experience requirements as stipulated by DDCA
1. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker
The Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is one of the many designations a social worker can achieve in Hawaii. To become an LBSW, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university in a social work program accredited by, or deemed equivalent to, an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education. Additionally, they must pass the national examination given by ASWB.
- BSW
- Pass the ASWB exam
2. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker – Temporary Military Spouse License
This is an expedited license granted to military spouses temporarily residing in Hawaii who are licensed social workers in another jurisdiction. A temporary practice permit is valid for up to five years during the active-duty service member’s time in Hawaii.
- BSW
- Pass the ASWB exam
- Military Spouse
3. Licensed Social Worker
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the advanced-level license in Hawaii for social work practice. It requires:
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university
- Passing the advance or clinical ASWB national examination
4. Licensed Social Worker – Temporary Military Spouse License
This license is like the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker – Temporary Military Spouse License and temporarily allows military spouses to practice social work in Hawaii.
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university
- Passing the advance or clinical ASWB national examination
- Military spouse
5. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Hawaii’s highest level of social work license. It requires:
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university
- Passing the clinical ASWB national examination
- Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, with at least 100 in direct client contact
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Temporary Military Spouse License
This license is like the Licensed Clinical Social Worker and temporarily allows military spouses to practice social work in Hawaii.
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university
- Passing the clinical ASWB national examination
- Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, with at least 100 in direct client contact
- Military spouse
Social Work Salaries in Hawaii State
Social workers in Hawaii can expect competitive salaries commensurate with their level of education, license type, and years of experience. The following table provides an overview of the average annual salary range for different social work positions in Hawaii based on BLS data.
| Type of Social Worker | Annual Salary (average) |
| Social Workers, all other | $76,280 |
| Social Work Teachers | $73,930 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $72,660 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $65,270 |
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | $63,880 |
Hawaii Social Work Scholarships
Several scholarships are available for social work students in Hawaii, designed to help offset their education costs. These include:
Central Pacific Bank Scholarship Fund
This scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a degree in social work or another field related to family services, such as psychology, counseling, and human resources.
Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarships
The Hawaii Community Foundation offers scholarships for Hawaiian nationals or those who have lived in Hawaii for at least three years. Scholarships are available for social work and related fields, such as psychology, counseling, and human resources.
Social Work Organizations in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to several social work organizations dedicated to promoting the profession and advocating for better social services in the state. These include:
Hawaii Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
The Hawaii Chapter of the NASW is a professional organization for social workers in Hawaii. The organization is committed to advancing the professional and ethical standards of social work practice in Hawaii.
Hawaii Primary Care Association
The Hawaii Primary Care Association is a non-profit organization that provides social services, including health care, mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment services. The organization also advocates for better access to healthcare services in the state.
FAQs
Does Hawaii State Have Social Work Reciprocity?
Yes, Hawaii does have reciprocity with other states. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) provides details about obtaining licensure in the state based on your current license from another jurisdiction.
What Is the Best Way to Look Up My Social Work License in Hawaii State?
The best way to look up your social work license in Hawaii is to visit the DCCA website. You can search for your license by entering your license number.