arkansas - Social Work Reinvestment Initiative

ARKANSAS
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According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 3,230 people
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In 2006, 376,950 people were enrolled in Medicaid;
self identified as social workers in Arkansas;
this is 16% of the non-elderly population, compared
Arkansas ranked 40th in social workers per capita.
to 13% nationally.
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There are 775 NASW members in Arkansas.
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In 2006, 2,810,872 people lived in Arkansas.
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15.6% of the population live at or below the federal
According to the Rural Policy Research Institute,
many areas of the state are medically underserved.
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In 1999, Arkansas had high death rates due to heart
disease, cancer and firearms.
poverty level, compared to 12.6% nationally.
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13.8% of the population is over the age of 65,
In 2000, Arkansas was above the national rate in
the number of hospital beds per 100,000.
compared with 12.4% nationally.
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25.4% of the population is under the age of 18,
In 2007, the unemployment rate was 5.4%,
compared to 4.6% nationally
compared with 25.7% nationally.
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The total population of Arkansas is projected to
grow 12% between 2000 and 2020. The population
over 65 is projected to grow 68% between 2000
and 2020.
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Social Work Education Programs in Arkansas are:
Arkansas State University, Harding University,
Philander Smith College, Southern Arkansas
University, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville,
Little Rock, Monticello, and Pine Bluff).
266,000 veterans live in Arkansas; Arkansas is
ranked 29th in the nation.
THERE ARE 2,614 LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS IN ARKANSAS
License
Licensed Certified Social Worker
Licensed Master Social Worker
Licensed Social Worker
Education Required
Master’s Degree in Social Work
Master’s Degree in Social Work
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Experience Required
2 years post
N/A
N/A
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20002
www.socialworkers.org
ARKANSAS
Social Work Survey Data*
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Two-thirds of the respondents in Arkansas were between 35 and 54 years old.
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The majority (85%) of respondents in Arkansas were white.
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The majority of respondents in Arkansas held a master’s degree as their highest
social work degree (69%). However, 31% held a bachelor’s degree as their highest
social work degree.
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Respondents were asked to indentify their primary practice setting for employment.
The four most frequently cited categories were behavioral health clinics/outpatient
facilities (15%), social service agencies (12%), health clinics/outpatient facilities
(12%), and other (12%).
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The majority of respondents in Arkansas (49%) earned between $20,000 and
$39,000 annually for full time social work. About 32% earned between $40,000
and $59,000 annually.
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The majority of respondents in Arkansas had 5-19 years of experience.
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Nearly two-thirds of the respondents in Arkansas were employed in the private
sector (65%) in either a private non-profit (34%) or private for-profit setting (31%).
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More than half the respondents in Arkansas were employed in a metropolitan area
(56%).
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The majority (36%) of respondents identified Mental Health as their primary practice area, followed by School Social Work (12%), Health (12%), and Child
Welfare/Family (12%).
*This information is based on the results of the 2004 NASW National Survey
of Licensed Social Workers. http://workforce.socialworkers.org
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002
www.socialworkers.org