STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed legislation authored by State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) into law to help expedite the licensing process for social workers so they can enter the field upon graduation.
March marks National Social Work Month and Goss-Reaves said the industry is facing a growing worker shortage, which only exacerbates the current mental health crisis. According to a study from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, 1 in 4 Hoosiers suffering from mental health issues are not receiving the treatment they need. To alleviate the social worker shortage and improve mental health access, the Marion lawmaker said a new law will allow students to sit for their licensing exam during the final semester of their Master's in Social Work program to help them start working sooner.
"Social workers provide critical help to our most vulnerable populations whether that's serving individuals in hospice care or counseling children in our schools," said Goss-Reaves, a licensed clinical social worker and mental health provider. "Unfortunately, we're experiencing a worsening shortage of these critical workers at a time when they’re needed most."
Currently, graduates of accredited social work programs submit their application for a license to the state's Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. Upon receipt of official transcripts showing a conferred diploma and meeting all other requirements the application is approved and the applicant can sit for their licensing exam. Under the new law, social work students in their final semester will be able to submit all required documents with a letter of good standing in place of transcripts, and, if approved, would be able to take the exam during the last term of their Master's in Social Work program. Goss-Reaves said this change will increase the likelihood that students will work towards licensure.
To address the shortage of licensed clinical supervisors in some agencies, this new law will also allow students to complete 100 percent of their supervision virtually.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 10-year job outlook for social workers is at a 15 percent growth rate, far above the 5 to 8 percent average for other industries.
Under the new law, Goss-Reaves said marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, addiction counselors, and clinical addiction counselors will also be able to take their respective licensure exams during the final term of their degree programs.
To learn more about House Enrolled Act 1138 and follow other legislation signed into law by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
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