Work & Economy
Every person has the right to meaningful work and economic opportunities that support self-worth and dignity.
We advance the value of social work by demonstrating its impact on workforce stability, the economy, and community well-being. Through research, partnerships, and policy change, we promote investment in the social work workforce as essential to a just, inclusive, and resilient economy.
At the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health, we champion policies and practices that recognize social work as a vital economic force—one that brings people together for our collective well-being, reduces costs in the health and social care systems, strengthens workforce participation, and builds pathways to equity.
We conduct research, develop tools, and partner with public systems and leaders to demonstrate how social work contributes to a healthy and more just economy. From supporting caregivers and social workers to expanding access to mental health services and stabilizing families navigating poverty, social workers make it possible for individuals and communities to thrive.
Our initiatives advance the economic case for investing in the social work workforce by quantifying returns on prevention, care coordination, and community-based interventions. We support job creation, workforce development, and policy reform efforts that center well-being as a public good. By aligning social work with economic strategy, we help build systems that value social work, protect human dignity, and create inclusive opportunities for all.
