Addressing Massachusetts’ Social Work Crisis

Massachusetts is currently suffering from a shortage of social work professionals. In combination with the lingering impact of the pandemic and recent federal policy changes, it is far more challenging to address public health crises such as the opioid epidemic, homelessness, and mental healthcare.

As an MSW student at Bridgewater State University, I have spoken with DMH workers and conducted independent research. As a result, I strongly support the passage of the Social Work Uplifting Practices and Exam Removal (SUPER) Act. Passing this act would greatly benefit our state by addressing industry shortages within the social work field.

The SUPER Act includes three key sections. First, it proposes grants to fund Master’s-level social work (MSW) interns during their internships. With the heavy burden of college tuition and the time demands of unpaid internships, many prospective students cannot complete their programs. This funding would resolve that concern. Second, the act eliminates mandatory standardized licensing exams for MSW graduates to obtain clinical licenses. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Rhode Island removed this exam and saw a 160% increase in new master’s-level social workers. This exam is also culturally biased. Data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) shows that first time test takers from 2011 to 2021, White test-takers in Massachusetts had an 89.8% pass rate compared to 66.8% for Hispanic/Latino test-takers and 55.8% for Black test-takers. Eliminating this exam would increase opportunities for underrepresented groups to enter the profession. Finally, the act allows Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs) to provide supervision for students by offering continuing education credits, which increases availability of supervisors and improves training.

As an MSW student, former DCF social worker, and current nonprofit social worker, I see firsthand the barriers facing this industry. Social workers are the first line of defense against mental health and public health challenges, passing the SUPER Act guarantees that our communities will have the help they need, when they need it most.

I strongly urge the residents of Massachusetts to support this bill. Call or email your representative and tell them why this bill matters.

Stuart Fransman

SFRANSMAN@student.bridgew.edu

This writer is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Bridgewater State University.