OHIO — More Ohioans are gaining greater access to social worker services thanks to the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact that allow social workers to be licensed in multiple states.

What You Need To Know

  • The Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact allows social workers to be licensed in multiple states
  • It broadens the use of telehealth medicine
  • It opens the door for more Ohioans in rural areas to receive services, as well as young people going to college, retirees moving and military families 

“It will allow us to reach more people who are in rural areas in parts of Ohio, who normally would not have access to these critical services," said Dr. Richard Jones, board president at Preferra Insurance.

For young people transitioning from one state to another, Jones said social workers can now continue their services with a young person even if they move and go to college in another state. This is also a plus for military families living in Ohio.  

“We'll be able to service areas where there are very few social workers or let's say unemployment might be very high," Jones said.

Filling in these gaps will help to address the shortage of workers where there are some of the greatest needs.