Social Work Reinvestment Initiative

SOCIAL WORK REINVESTMENT INITIATIVE

HAWAI’I CHAPTER

INTRODUCTION

In 2000, NASW Hawaii Chapter Board of Directors and the University of Hawai’i School of Social Work convened a Social Work Summit to participate in a strategic planning process for the social work profession in Hawai’i. Invited participants included NASW members, community leaders, professionals from other disciplines, and consumers of social work services. The Summit resulted in a Mission Statement, core values, and strategic issues related to “Identity”, and “Public Relations”.

Identity

• We need to be able to identify ourselves and what sets us apart from other professions in order to be most effective and improve our public image
• We need to come to a clearer understanding of who we are and what we do
• Social workers need to pull together within the profession despite philosophical differences and emerge with an acceptance and acknowledgement of those differences
• People/public/organizations are unclear on the role(s) of social workers

Public relations

• Raise the image of social workers in the community to recruit and enhance the profession
• Market social work to gain external allies and to foster internal cohesion to achieve mission
• Pursue media coverage to highlight what professional social workers do and to market our skills and abilities
• Take a stand as a profession on community issues
• Pursue funding to engage in a public relations campaign

The Chapter approached two public relations firms to seek their proposals for improving the visibility and image of NASW and the social work profession in Hawai’i. Unfortunately, these proposals were not within the Chapter’s budget so the Chapter had to look at other ways to improve its’ public relations.

In 2002, with the possibility of receiving a large donation from a Chapter member, the Chapter pursued establishing an Office of Public Affairs. A part time staff position would be developed to coordinate information for the public on key social welfare and related issues. The Office of Public Affairs would also have a Media Response Team (using members within the Chapter’s Specialty Practice Sections) to respond to media crises. However, the funding did not materialize and the Office of Public Affairs is “on hold”.

The Chapter improved their visibility in other ways. In the political arena, the Chapter was successful in establishing three tiers of professional and legally regulatedlicensing LBSW, LSW and LCSW. In 2004, the Chapter participated in a legislative strategic planning session to give focus to the Chapter’s legislative efforts. The Board decided that energies would focus on “strengthening and maintaining the safety net”. A healthy safety net meant jobs for our members and resources for our clients.

In 2005, the State proposed a plan to declassify social work positions. The Chapter fought back and was successful in establishing title protection for Social Workers in both the public and private sectors. Although the title for social workers was protected, continued efforts to strengthen and re-write job descriptions within the state government to distinguish “social workers” (with social work degrees) from “human service professionals” (without social work degrees) is needed and being worked on with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest government workers union. The Chapter is assisting with this process.

In 2006, the Chapter received a $30,000 capacity building grant to: 1) conduct survey to identify reasons for declining membership; 2) redesign the Chapter’s website so that it can be used as a tool to communicate with the membership; 3) hire a fund developer to develop a plan for increased non-dues revenues

In 2007, the Chapter decided it was time to conduct another strategic planning session to identify NASW’s role in attaining the mission for the profession that was developed in 2000.

DEVELOPING THE PLAN

With the help of a grant from National to develop a reinvestment plan, the Hawai’i Chapter hired a facilitator to conduct a strategic planning session. Issues that emerged from the strategic planning session would then be used for the Chapter’s reinvestment plan. Board members and selected agency executives who were also NASW members were invited to attend. (see list of invitees). The strategic planning session was held on November 2, 2007 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.

The participants were asked to identify milestones on three timelines:

1)personal time line- milestones in their personal lives

2)world time line- milestones locally, nationally, or globally

3)NASW time line- NASW Hawai’I Chapter milestones

Groups were formed to identify common trends on each timeline and if there were any connections with the other two timelines. Participants were then asked to create a NASW mind map by brainstorming issues relevant to NASW. From this mind map seven issues were identified. For each issue, participants were asked to: 1) articulate the problem statement; 2) identify what is currently being done about the issue; and 3) propose future actions. The seven issues are:

1)Vision

2)Lack of Recognition

3)Relationship with Schools of Social Work

4)Membership

5)Education and Training

6)Funding

7)Unification

A steering committee was also formed to oversee the implementation of the strategic plan and to ensure that the seven identified issues are addressed.

The issues identified during the strategic planning session affirmed that the issues identified in the 2000 Summit are still relevant. With the reinvestment grant from National the Hawai’i Chapter will be able to address these issues for Hawai’i social workers..

Board membersElected officials

Jeanette Matsumoto(retiree)Rep. Ryan Yamane

Kalei Kanuha(University of Hawaii)Former Rep. Alex Santiago

Marlene Coach (UH Hilo) (consultant)

Aileen Andres (Prudential)Former Sen. Brian Kanno (TJ

Marcus Gannon (WaikikHealthCenter)Mahoney)

Chris Langworthy (Univ. of Hawaii)

Michael Tamashiro (Dept of Health-Mental Health)

Kathy Piscusa(Dept of Education)Others

Gale Sugiyama (Kaiser)Bob Masuda (retiree)

Jodi Shaw (HMSA)Ah Nee Leong (retiree)

Sharon Tamanaha (Salvation Army)Alan Gamble (Tripler Med Center)

Jim Bibbee (HPU student)Renee Furuyama (PACE chair)

Jennifer Cilfone (UH student)Rose DeAquino (UH grad student

John Tomoso (Exec Office on Aging- Maui)org)

Chris Ridley (LifeCareCenter-Hilo)

Tali McCall (Private Practice- Kauai)Other Government agencies

Alton Tamashiro (DOH, Children’s

Mental Health)

Max Otani (Public Safety)

Also elected:

Nominations & Leadership ID committee

Toni Hathaway (KapiolaniComm.College)

Margaret Sagaysay (Dept of Health- Mental Health)

Rodney Powell (Dept of Health)

Carrie Rosen (Dept of Health)

Delegate Assembly Alternate-Warren Aoki (Schofield Family Support Services)

National Nominations committee- Lana Kaopua (Univ of Hawaii)

National Board member- Sharon Otagaki (retiree)

Schools of SW

Dr. Mary Sheridan- Hawaii Pacific University

Dr. Sharlene Furuto- Brigham Young University Hawaii

Dr. Jon Matsuoka- University of Hawaii

Private Agencies

Howard Garval (Child and Family Services)

Jerry Rauchorst (Catholic Charities)

Linda Rich (Salvation Army)

Joanne Lundstrom (Mental Health Kokua)

Alan Shinn (Coalition for a Drug Free HI)

Lisa Cook (Drug Addiction Services of Hawaii)

Linda Santos (Foster Family Program)

Ruthann Quitiquit (Parents and Children Together)

Lorraine Robinson (TJ Mahoney)

Adri Ramelli (SexAbuseTreatmentCenter)

SOCIAL WORK REINVESTMENT INITIATIVE

HAWAI’I CHAPTER

ISSUE #1- Develop a Vision
GOAL / By 2013, unify the social work community including schools of social work, agencies and individual practitioners
Define issue / 1) We need a practical clarification and redefinition of our vision;
2) There is a disconnect and lack of communication among the social work community (ie, schools of SW, social agencies, government, etc)
Data Available/Needed / 1) Steering committee will draft vision statement
2) Confirm vision statement by membership
Favorable conditions / Print in newsletter and post on website for membership feedback
Unfavorable conditions
Estimated Time Frame / 2 months
Human resources required / Steering committee
Financial resources required
External resources
Suggested Tasks / 1) Convene a meeting with key stakeholders (schools of SW, social agencies & government) to establish better communication
2) Increase use of technology to connect neighbor islands with Oahu events
3) Work on a joint project (eg. History of SW in Hawaii book, NASW calendar)
ISSUE #2- Improve Public Image
GOAL / To promote positive recognition and respect for the profession
Define issue / 1) The profession has not defined itself adequately and concisely and in a way that is easily communicable
2) We are losing positions to other professions due to a lack of trained workforce
3) We cannot command the salaries and work conditions we want
4) The profession is not attractive to the next generation
Data Available/Needed / 1) Anecdotal data from agencies (public and private) who attended the strategic planning that MSWs are not applying for open positions
2) total number of social work positions in the state
3) salary of social workers in the state
Favorable conditions / 1) National’s public education campaign
2) SW month celebrations
3) SW month proclamations
4) NASW provides inexpensive advertising in newsletters
5) NASW raises positive public awareness of the profession through editorials, public speaking and lobbying
Unfavorable conditions / 1) Media and others define us
2) Inaccurate, limited public perceptions of what SW do
Estimated Time Frame / Long term
Human resources required / Public relations committee
Media or marketing consultant
National public relations/marketing department
Financial resources required / Media training
External resources / Ask NationalCenter on Workforce Studies to assist with gathering position and salary data
Suggested Tasks / 1) Implement media response plan
2) Develop speakers bureau and tie in with SPS
3) Develop special interest articles in the media focused on various roles within the SW profession
ISSUE #3 – Strengthen Relationship with Schools of SW
GOAL / Improve relationship with Schools of Social Work
Define issue / 1) Need better alignment and more collaboration among NASW and Schools of SW and the SW Community
Data Available/Needed / Agencies reported that curriculum does not provide adequate training for actual practice after graduation
Favorable conditions / 1) Schools bring NASW reps to speak to classes
2) Taking students to Legislative Day at the Capitol
3) NASW reps on School Advisory Boards
Unfavorable conditions / Lack of regular communication between community and schools of social work
Estimated Time Frame / Long term
Human resources required / Individuals, community and schools need to be more aware of the problem and help with collaboration
Financial resources required
External resources
Suggested Tasks / 1) Encourage more use or NASW textbooks in classes
2) Ask SW faculty to support information re: NASW
3) Encourage faculty membership in NASW
4) Hold more than one joint event with Chapter and schools
5) Bring together reps of schools and NASW
ISSUE #4- Membership
GOAL / Maintain a viable and vibrant membership level
Define issue / 1) There is a decline in membership and willingness to volunteer for the Chapter
Data Available/Needed / Tracking monthly membership data
Favorable conditions / 1) Good newsletter
2) Website has been improved
3) Successful annual awards luncheon
4) PONO grant funds available to assist with membership survey
Unfavorable conditions / 1) Only one staff person available to keep track of data
2) social workers attitude that question “What’s in it for me?”
Estimated Time Frame / 2 year
Human resources required / Membership committee
Collaboration with agency executives, union reps to work on workforce issues
Financial resources required / $100 to pay students to merge licensing database with NASW membership database
External resources / National workforce center to do study of Hawaii membership
Suggested Tasks / 1) Survey active and lapsed members
2) Work with National to develop local workforce center to find ways to improve working conditions, job opportunities and salaries
3) Run support groups in specialty areas
4) Encourage mentorship through large agencies with large SW staff
5) Outreach to young social workers
ISSUE #5- Education and Training
GOAL / Develop and increase continuing education and training opportunities for social work professionals
Define issue / 1) Need for a wider range of training to support the SW profession. Schools of SW do not adequately prepare grads for field placement
2) Hawaii is one of two states that does not mandate CEUs for licensure renewal
Data Available/Needed / Discussion between schools of social work and community agencies to identify curriculum areas that need improvement
Favorable conditions / Each school currently have advisory boards with community agency representation
Unfavorable conditions / State department (DCCA) does not want professions to mandate CEUs
Estimated Time Frame / 1) Discussion between schools and community agencies= 1 year
2) Passing legislation to mandate CEUs for licensing renewal= 5 years
Human resources required / 1) Committee or task force with school and community agency representation
2) Legislative committee to work on CEU legislation
Financial resources required
External resources / Work with other professions who do not have mandated CEUs, ie, psychologists, MFTs
Suggested Tasks / 1) Review other state’s CEU programs and work to mandate CEUs in Hawaii
2) Pursue grants to fund NASW training
3) Hold annual conference
ISSUE #6- Funding
GOAL / Have a diversified funding source
Define issue / The Chapter is too dependent on funds from National
Data Available/Needed / 1) Inadequate financial resources to support initiatives, staffing needs and office space
2) Inadequate diversity in funding resources to be stable
3) No good way to donate to HI chapter
4) Funding does not increase with increase membership
5) Restrictions on fundraising activities from National
6) Increased operating expenses
7) Need to make a stronger connection between NASW and jobs through work related issues
Favorable conditions / PONO grant received to hire fund developer to develop fund development plan
Unfavorable conditions / Need to make stronger connection between NASW and jobs through work related issues
Estimated Time Frame / 1 year
Human resources required / Board participation
Financial resources required
External resources / Assistance from NationalCenter on Workforce Studies to do a study of Hawaii Chapter membership
Suggested Tasks / 1) Send out “ask” letter
2) Solicit bigger ticket items for auction
3) Establish Chapter workforce center to help find positions, salaries, working conditions, trends
4) Encourage Job links
ISSUE #7- Unification
GOAL / Become a stronger political force in advocating for social policy, social justice, and the profession
Define issue / Need to find solutions that bring groups/people together
Data Available/Needed
Favorable conditions / 1) Nationally, being discussed
2) Locally, NASW participates in various coalitions
3) Attempts to get nonprofits to come together
4) NASW already has positive political recognition
5) Addition of CapWiz on website
Unfavorable conditions
Estimated Time Frame / Long term
Human resources required / Legislative committee
PACE committee
Financial resources required
External resources
Suggested Tasks / 1) Provide more info to schools about current significant legislation
2) Support creation of PHOCUSED (Protecting Hawaii’s Ohana, Children, Under Served, Elderly and Disabled)
3) Encourage membership to use CapWiz

STATE DATA PROFILE OF SOCIAL WORK LABOR FORCE

HAWAI’I

SOCIAL WORK REGULATION

In 2000, the Hawai’I State Legislature established three levels of Licensure for Social Workers

• Licensed Bachelor of Social Worker (LBSW)
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs administers the license and reports the following statistics by island (as of October 2007)

LBSW / LSW / LCSW / TOTAL
Oahu / 11 / 655 / 258 / 924
Hawaii / 76 / 54 / 130
Maui / 54 / 38 / 92
Kauai / 1 / 38 / 19 / 58
Molokai / 4 / 2 / 6
Lanai
Mainland / 71 / 56 / 127
Foreign / 6 / 2 / 8
TOTAL / 12 / 904 / 429 / 1345

The Hawai’i license for social workers identifies the following scope of practice:

(1) Information, resource identification, referral services, mediation services, advocacy services, and education of individuals, groups, couples, and families;

(2) Preparation and evaluation of assessments and development and implementation of social work service plans;

(3) Case management, coordination, casework intervention, and monitoring of social work service plans in the areas of personal, social, or economic resources, conditions, or problems;

(4) Administration and development of social service programs, policies, community organization, planning, implementation, and involvement in the evaluation of social systems and social policies;

(5) Social work consultation and resource development;

(6) Research through the formal design and methodology of data collection and the analysis and evaluation of data, social work programs, social systems, and social policies;

(7) Psychosocial assessment, diagnostic impressions, treatment of individuals, couples, families, and groups, prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders, and evaluation of practice effectiveness;

(8) Clinical diagnosis or psychotherapy, or both

Specifically the law states that:

LBSW’s are able to perform duties (1) - (4)

LSW’s are able to perform duties (1) - (7)

LCSW’s are able to perform duties (1) – (8)

The Hawai’i license is a three-year license. There are no continuing education credits needed for renewal. Privileged communications between licensed clinical social workers and their clients shall be treated in the same manner as provided for psychologist-client privilege under rule 504.1 of the Hawaii Rules of Evidence.

SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Hawai’I has three schools of social work:

BSW / MSW / PhD
Brigham Young
Univ. Hawai’I
(Laie) / 90 enrolled
35 graduates / None / None
Hawai’i Pacific
University (Honolulu)
University of
Hawai’i
(Manoa) / 60 enrolled / 204 enrolled / 13 enrolled

SOCIAL WORK EMPLOYERS

The largest social work employers in the state are:

Catholic Charities

Child and Family Service

Foster Family Program (11 social workers)

Kaiser Behavioral Health (25 social work positions)

Parents and Children Together

Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center (65 social workers)

Queen’s Behavioral Health

Salvation Army (8 social workers)