The Nonlicensed Social Work Workforce From the 2024 Social Work Workforce Survey

Bibliographic Data

ID12385161
AuthorsJeounghee Kim (0000-0001-9305-7142, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, corresponding author)
Year2025
Publication date2025-12-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueResearch on Social Work Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7315 • E-ISSN: 1552-7581
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10497315251404874
OpenAlexW7114784849
LanguageEN
References cited15

Purpose: This study aimed to provide a profile of the nonlicensed social work workforce to fill crucial knowledge gaps about the workforce. Methods: Descriptive analyses were conducted on a sample of 1,625 nonlicensed social workers from the 2024 Workforce Survey. Results: Nonlicensed social workers primarily worked in individual and family services, where a social work degree was preferred but licensure was not required. About half assisted clients with limited incomes from minoritized backgrounds. Master's level social workers often served as direct service providers and administrators, whereas bachelor's level workers frequently served as case managers. Approximately 15.60% of bachelor's level and 17.23% of master's level social workers were primarily engaged in macro practitioner roles. Many were seeking more education, licensure, and career opportunities as social workers. Discussion: Future studies should examine how social work degrees and licenses help social work candidates navigate the social services and behavioral healthcare job market

Licensure · Sample (material · Service (business · Social position · Workforce · Workforce planning · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work

Tools

Open DOI