Pennsylvania Social Work Reinvestment (SWRI) Action Plans

Pennsylvania Social Work Reinvestment (SWRI) Action Plans Planning Document

SWRI Goal: To advocate for federal and state investments in professional social work to enhance societal well-being. SWRI Plan Development: Introduction

Pennsylvania should be a state where social workers as seen as the premiere helping professionals. Pennsylvania has forty accredited social work programs, and over 11,000 LSW/LCSWs combined. In fact, social workers are the largest providers of mental health services in the Commonwealth. Estimates place the total number of degreed social workers living in the Commonwealth between 40,000 and 60,000. However, the lack of a culture that values professionalism within social services systems has resulted in limited demand and value for professional social workers. When anyone with a bachelor degree in a social science field is seen as qualified to deliver social work services, the value for degreed and licensed social workers is profoundly negatively impacted. Also impacted negatively by this “any degree is a good degree thinking” is the value that degreed social workers have for their own profession. NASW-PA works to keep a membership of approximately 6,100 members. In a state with up to 60,000 potential members, only 10% of social workers are supportive of their profession. This lack of support reflects poorly not only on NASW-PA, but equally on the educational institutions training these professionals, and on the individuals’ value of themselves as professionals.

In order to draft a meaningful reinvestment plan that will serve as a road map for the profession, it was necessary to determine the critical success factors to advancing the social work profession specifically in Pennsylvania. NASW-PA secured the services of a decision making tool called the Innovator, which was provided to NASW-PA by Strategic Learning. The Innovator was used at several sessions across the state to identify and rank the critical success factors for the reinvestment initiative. This high-tech software and keypad system allowed for participants to determine the critical steps that needed to occur to raise the credibility of the profession.

While each group started out brainstorming what factors were necessary, they came out with similar success factors after the voting and ranking was completed. The highest ranking success factors were: 1) secure title protection; 2) increase value of licensure; 3) improve public image of profession as credible; 4) speak with a unified voice, and 5) increase membership of NASW-PA to have a stronger advocacy voice. Clearly, these tasks are neither easy nor simplistic to accomplish. In fact, they each require a significant commitment of resources. I am hopeful that with our academic and employer partners, NASW-PA can keep the social work community of the Commonwealth focused on what we can accomplish when we all bring our skills to the table with a shared goal of making the world a better place through building a stronger profession.

In order to build the strongest plan for PA, NASW-PA utilized the information gained from the three Innovator sessions to develop an internet survey and posted that survey on our website. Four hundred and forty-four individuals responded to the survey. We asked respondents to rank the two issues that they thought were of greatest importance to the social work profession. The results of that survey determined the issues NASW-PA would focus on as our SWRI plan. Reinvestment Issue Areas ISSUE #1

Define Issue: Title Protection The professional job title “social worker” is not protected exclusively for degreed social workers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In fact, there are no limitations placed on who can represent themselves as a social worker currently, in law or regulation. This lack of title protection means that employers often advertise for social work positions and accept applications for anyone regardless of degree. Having non-social workers able to compete for social work positions with degreed individuals drives down the salaries of and demands for degreed social workers. Additionally, the use of the social work title by non-degreed individuals is very damaging to the over-all image of the profession since all social workers are held accountable for the actions of these non- degreed paraprofessionals.

During three focus groups conducted with academic leaders from across the state, title protection was ranked as one of the top three professional issues NASW-PA needs to address. Each group of academic leaders developed a list of critical success factors and ranked them against the other factors they had developed. Utilizing the list developed by the schools, NASW-PA conducted an on-line survey to determine what social workers found to be the most pressing professional issues. Four hundred and forty-four social workers participated in the survey; they ranked title protection as one of the two most pressing professional issues 32.4% of the time.

Data Available/Needed to build case: List of accredited schools and number of licensed individuals; all of this information has been gathered at this time. Appropriate legislative language developed to create title protection in a manner that is acceptable to legislators.

Favorable conditions supporting the issue being addressed (key legislative support, public backing): Many professionals that have the ability to be licensed already have title protection in place. Pennsylvania has two school work licenses and ensures title protection for licensed individuals. Opening up title protection to include those with a social work degree, regardless of whether they hold a license, has not proven to be a difficult argument to make. In fact, many legislative staff persons have been surprised to learn that there is no title protection for social workers currently in place in Pennsylvania.

Unfavorable conditions/impediments to addressing the issue: There is a small group of civil service employees who have a legal right to the title “social workers” even though they lack a social work degree, additionally, the teacher’s union wants to grandfather in the right to use the title for any one currently functioning with the school social worker title. The teacher’s union is far more powerful than NASW-PA in the legislature. Estimated Time Frame for accomplishment (1-3 years or longer): Pennsylvania has a two-year legislative cycle. Our title protection bill must pass both chambers by December 2008, or we will have to start our efforts again.

People/partnership/consultant resources required: NASW-PA has mobilized our membership to reach out to senators and we are focusing on title protection at our legislative advocacy day in April. Additionally, the deans of the larger schools of social work have agreed to sign on as partners in working for title protection.

Financial resources required (budgetary, grant, PACE) This effort is dependent upon the political process and will require us to use PACE monies to support legislators who support the passage of our bill. The larger our legislative advocacy day, the better our chance of getting the legislation moving in the state senate.

Key external resources – legislators/regulatory boards/other associations

Priority Ranking: All three issues are equal priorities for NASW-PA

Tasks/Timeline

Define Task By whom? By when? Notes Legislation drafted by NASW-PA NASW-PA Fall 2007 Staff

Legislation introduced/amended (HB 1693) in house Rep Gergley Fall 2007 by member of professional licensure committee with approval of senate staff

HB 1693 voted out of professional licensure and Committee/House Nov. 14, 2007 Vote 195-0 passed the house HB 1693 voted out of Senate consumer protection Committee Goal- We have a meeting scheduled with committee with any necessary amendments to ensure Feb 2008 committee chair and several deans to Define Task By whom? By when? Notes passage (civil services and teachers union issues) advocate for movement and support of the bill.

HB 1693 calendared for Senate floor and passed Senate leadership Goal: Our efforts will focus on getting the bill March/April on the calendar for the senate and in 2008 building support for the passage of the bill.

Create loud outcry for passage of HB 1693 if not NASW-PA April 8, 2008 If HB 1693 has not passed the Senate, we passed by April 8th when NASW-PA has legislative members and will focus on legislative outreach efforts advocacy day staff of the day on this issue in an attempt to convince senators to support this critical legislation.

Ensure Governor’s support to sign legislation NASW-PA When ready Administration supports the bill, so this for his should not be a challenge. Will ask for signature public bill signing to generate awareness. Reinvestment Issue Areas ISSUE #2

Define Issue: Public Image of Social Work Profession

During the three focus groups conducted with academic leaders from across the state, public image was mentioned as an important professional issue on which NASW-PA needs to focus. Each group of academic leaders developed list of critical success factors and ranked them against the other factors they had developed. The issue of image or perception of the profession was present on each group’s list, although was not always ranked within the top three. However, when NASW-PA utilized the list developed by the schools to conduct an on-line survey to determine what social workers found to be the most pressing professional issues, public image did rank highly. Four hundred and forty-four social workers participated in the survey, and collectively they ranked public image as one of their two most pressing professional issues 41.2% of the time.

As a profession, social workers are often cast as the baby stealers who care about rules rather than people. We are presented as unqualified, bleeding heart do-gooder who lacks the ability for critical thought. This kind of image does not serve the profession or individual professionals well. NASW-PA must raise the public perception of the profession.

Data Available/Needed to build case:

We are very familiar with the current perception of social workers, and NASW-PA often hears them from legislators when we conduct informational visits.

Favorable conditions supporting the issue being addressed (key legislative support, public backing): This issue area requires NASW-PA to look for innovative ways to challenge and change the public’s perception about the social worker profession. This means it is not necessary for us to enter the political battlefield to make some progress on this issue. Since the national campaign is ready to go, we simply need to take action.

Unfavorable conditions/impediments to addressing the issue: To change the public’s perception quickly would require a significant outlay of resources that would permit the purchasing of a great deal of advertising space. NASW-PA has limited resources, so our efforts will have to be creative and we will have to expect slow change. Estimated Time Frame for accomplishment (1-3 years or longer): The goal of changing the public’s perception while raising the general awareness about the social work profession will likely take at least three years. NASW-PA will implement a targeted campaign for a year, and then evaluate what approach should be taken at that point as part of our continued effort to change the public’s perception.

People/partnership/consultant resources required: NASW-PA will look for partnerships with entities that support the social work profession. We will work to develop relationships with the media in order to utilize them to tell positive stories about the profession. We will continue to work with the social work schools to ask that they advertise on behalf of the profession whenever their budgets permit, and we will pursue grant support from foundations to educate targeted populations about the profession.

Financial resources required (budgetary, grant, PACE) Public education is very resource draining since the cost of running advertising is so high. We will continue to explore free ways to change the public’s perception through relationships with media while at the same time we will explore other funding sources for the general public education campaign.

Key external resources – legislators/regulatory boards/other associations Once again, as a school with forty accredited schools of social work, the support of the larger schools of social work would be very helpful in challenging the public image of the profession. Clearly, there is a direct benefit to schools’ enrollment numbers because of an improved public image.

Priority Ranking: All three are equal- this is our long-term goal

Tasks/Timeline

Define Task By whom? By when? Notes Run 3-month public education campaign (Jan-March) NASW-PA ED/ Jan-March Chapter is investing $25,000 in savings to Philadelphia buses, billboards, magazine ads, and with executive pay the space to run this campaign. radio. committee approval Evaluate effectiveness of first three months, and NASW-PA April-June Chapter will invest up to another $20,000 develop plan for second three months of campaign, ED/with for second half of advertising campaign. which will include capitol bus shelters, Harrisburg Executive Define Task By whom? By when? Notes papers to coordinate with legislative advocacy day. committee approval

Work with cable talk programs to have them feature NASW-PA On-going The goal is a total of three television NASW-PA and social workers as guest on their Director of appearances in a year shows. Government and Public Relations Run legislative updates on “Comcast Newsmakers” as NASW-PA ED On-going Have had three run in first year. Will aim appropriate for at least three pieces a year.

Have social work profession as a topic of conversation NASW-PA On-going Goal at least two talk radio shows per on talk radio shows throughout the state. Director of year. Government and Public Relations

Have local papers highlight social workers serving NASW-PA Feb/March Goal: At least three papers will run stories their communities during the month of March. Story Director of about professional social workers in ideas and bios will be forwarded to local paper Government March. reporters by chapter staff in an effort to get reporters to and Public write stories. Relations

Develop outreach campaign to educate targeted groups NASW-PA ED On-going Goal: to obtain at least one grant to about the social work profession. Targeted groups are: produce material necessary to conduct a 1) youth of color; 2) members of general assembly; 3) targeted campaign to one of the identified county leadership and, 4) school board target populations. presidents/superintendents. Outreach campaigns will be developed to target each of the four groups regardless of whether grant funding is available. Efforts will be limited by the availability of chapter resources. Define Task By whom? By when? Notes Reinvestment Issue Areas: ISSUE #3

Define Issue: Improve Value of Licensure

During three focus groups conducted with academic leaders from across the state, value of licensure was mentioned as an important professional issue on which NASW-PA needs to focus. Each group of academic leaders developed a list of critical success factors and ranked them against the other factors they had developed. Issues of licensure were present on each group’s list and at least one issue related to the value of licensure, was ranked within the top three for each site. When NASW-PA utilized the list developed by the schools to conduct an on-line survey to determine what social workers found were the most pressing professional issues, value of licensure also ranked very highly. Four hundred and forty-four social workers participated in the survey; collectively, they ranked value of licensure as one of their two most pressing professional issues 29.3% of the time.

While the specific need to raise the value of licensure was ranked highly, an additional issue also linked to value of licensure was ranked higher. The need to raise social worker salaries and the need to create a social work salary ladder were both identified as additional issues during the academic focus groups. Issues related to salary ranked highly in the on-line survey as well; 64% of respondents ranked “raise compensation for degreed social workers” as one of the two most pressing issues.

Related both to value of licensure and raising social work salaries is the issue of creating a bachelor level licensure. Two of the three academic focus groups included creating a bachelor level license as a critical success factor for the future of social workers in Pennsylvania. Of those responding to the survey, 8.6% reported that creating a bachelor level license was a critical professional issue.

When examining the data from the focus groups and the on-line survey, it becomes apparent that many of the desired outcomes are inter-related. Members want us to raise social work salaries while at the same time creating a salary ladder. To create an effective salary ladder, we need bachelor level direct practice workers to be identified as being social work professionals. The tasks designated for bachelor level workers will be clearly defined as direct practice, rather than as mental health or supervisory in nature.

As we review the data, the following three campaigns will define our efforts to raise the value of licensure: 1) Include LCSW as Medicare/Medicaid providers with the State’s MA plan. 2) Advocate that licensed practitioners only provide government-funded clinical services. 3) Create a bachelor level social work license. Data Available/Needed to build case: 1) MA Plan- This is a complicated effort and will require a great deal of research to draft suggested plan amendments as requested by the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (OMHSAS).

2) Non-licensed individuals have drafted letters to leaders in the administration expressing concern about the provision of clinical services. The possibility of legislation is being explored, as NASW-PA will continue to look for ways to influence those who deliver clinical services.

3) Language has been developed and will be guided through the legislative process to create a bachelor level license by the end of 2008.

Favorable conditions supporting the issue being addressed (key legislative support, public backing):

1) We have been asked to deliver specific recommendations by the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Mental Health and Substance abuse. We are well positioned to make this change occur.

2) The administration agrees with our position that only licensed providers should be able to provide clinical mental health services, and are supportive of our efforts to restructure Pennsylvania’s mental health system’s dependency on paraprofessionals.

3) NASW-PA has worked with bachelor level programs to develop language that can be agreed to by the majority of schools and we now have several legislators who have offered their support on this issue, and are willing to introduce our language.

Unfavorable conditions/impediments to addressing the issue: Our biggest challenge to success is the large private provider community in PA that is well funded and strongly opposes any limitations about who can be mental health providers. The group of providers will work to block any attempt to mandate licensure and will work to undermine the value of licensure.

Estimated Time Frame for accomplishment (1-3 years or longer): 1) It will take between three and five years to amend the state plan. 2) This effort is focused on cultural change. We should begin to see progress in two years. 3) NASW-PA should be able to create a bachelor level license by January 1, 2010.

People/partnership/consultant resources required: All three of these efforts will require NASW-PA to work in close partnership with other organizations including social work professional associations and schools of social work.

Financial resources required (budgetary, grant, PACE) The greatest resources associated with the completion of the three campaigns outlined above will be staff resources. Developing suggested amendments to the state plan, changing the culture around licensure, and the passage of BSW language will require a great deal of staff time and research.

Key external resources – legislators/regulatory boards/other associations Clearly, the schools of social work will be critical partners as we move forward with these three efforts. NASW-PA has several legislators that are friends of the profession and their support will be critical in moving our agenda forward.

Priority Ranking: The three campaigns included within this issue area are all equally important and work will progress to address all three areas.

Tasks/Timeline

Define Task By whom? By when? Notes MA PLAN: In collaboration with a group of members, Group w/ED Feb. 2008 develop suggested state plan amendment that includes LCSW as providers.

MA PLAN: Work with department of public welfare ED Jan. 2010 to approve of suggested amendments and promote inclusion of language in state plan. Define Task By whom? By when? Notes

CULTURE: Continue to express the need for NASW-PA On-going providers to have MH license to provide clinical Staff services in NASW-PA comments and testimony related to MH legislation or regulation.

CULTURE: Identify ways to promote those NASW-PA Ongoing employers who hire only licensed staff to provide Staff clinical services.

BSW Licensure: Identify House and Senate sponsor NASW-PA staff Feb 2008 for BSW licensure bill and have legislation introduced.

BSW Licensure: Launch an education campaign to PARTNERSHIP April 2008 demonstrate the need to have a BSW license and the role it has in public perception. Legislative Advocacy Day will focus on BSW licensure and draw BSW programs to champion this issue.

BSW Licensure: Continue to place attention on the NASW-PA Until passed need for a BSW license until the legislation passes or members and session ends. We will then start over in the next staff session.