Social Services Specialist Jobs in Hawaii
Social Services Specialist jobs in Hawaii concentrate in state and county government agencies, nonprofit community organizations, and federally funded social welfare programs, with demand ranging from entry-level case aide positions to senior program coordinators. Most openings are in Honolulu, Hilo, and Kailua-Kona, where employers such as the Hawaii Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and The Queen's Health Systems maintain ongoing hiring needs. Child welfare, housing assistance, and behavioral health services are the most consistently sought specializations across the islands. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 54+ Social Services Specialist jobs
Description
Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.
Title: (Casual Hire) Social Work Workforce development and FSM Communities (*CASUAL HIRE) READVERTISEMENT
Position Number: *Casual Hire
Hiring Unit: Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Department of Social Work
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Date Posted: July 8, 2026
Closing Date: July 29, 2026
Salary Range: Pay commensurate with experience and qualifications
Work Schedule: 10 hours per week
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Funding: Extramural funds
Other Conditions:
To begin approximately August 2026 or as soon, thereafter, as possible. Continuation dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Advocate for the importance of social work as a profession within the context of the Federated States of Micronesia engaging with local leaders, policy makers, and community organizations.
- Assist in developing campaigns and outreach efforts to raise awareness about the contributions of social workers to societal well-being.
- Collaborate with the Thompson School to identify and pursue funding opportunities that support ongoing partnership efforts of social work education and the Federated States of Micronesia.
- Examine social issues facing the Federated States of Micronesia and the role of social work in addressing these challenges.
- Provide expertise in reviewing the effectiveness of social work interventions, education programs, and community projects related to FSM connected communities.
- Support presentations that contribute to the global understanding of social work in the geographic region of Micronesia.
- Advise on social work perspectives from an FSM lens.
- Advise on the development of engagement strategies that connect experienced social workers from the Thompson School with emerging professionals connected to Federated States of Micronesia.
- Assist in the linking organizations adjacent and connected to social work in the geographic region of Micronesia, to promote ongoing development and support.
- Provide support in engaging FSM connected NGO’s, Government & Community leaders in conversations related to social work and social services.
- Advise on the creation of tailored continuing education, certification programs, and faculty development initiatives that benefit social work professionals in the region.
- Assist in identification of potential field placement opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work.
- 10 years progressively increasing post MSW social work experience connected with individuals and communities associated with the geographic region of Micronesia.
- Experience in integrating cultural considerations into social work practice.
- Strong experience in connecting with FSM serving organizations.
- Strong oral, writing, and interpersonal skills.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience launching community organization(s) serving people connected to the geographic area of Micronesia.
- Expertise in facilitating cultural training related to people from the geographic region of Micronesia to service providers in multiple sectors.
To Apply:
Applicants must submit the following:
(1) Resume
(2) Cover letter indicating interest in the position and how the minimum and desirable qualifications are met
(3) Names and contact information (including e-mail address) of at least 3 professional references
(4) Copies of educational transcripts with confidential information redacted (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.). Official transcripts are required upon hire.
Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
Inquiries:
Theresa Kreif, kreif@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
Description
Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.
Title: (Casual Hire) Social Work Workforce development and FSM Communities (*CASUAL HIRE) READVERTISEMENT
Position Number: *Casual Hire
Hiring Unit: Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Department of Social Work
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Date Posted: July 8, 2026
Closing Date: July 29, 2026
Salary Range: Pay commensurate with experience and qualifications
Work Schedule: 10 hours per week
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Funding: Extramural funds
Other Conditions:
To begin approximately August 2026 or as soon, thereafter, as possible. Continuation dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Advocate for the importance of social work as a profession within the context of the Federated States of Micronesia engaging with local leaders, policy makers, and community organizations.
- Assist in developing campaigns and outreach efforts to raise awareness about the contributions of social workers to societal well-being.
- Collaborate with the Thompson School to identify and pursue funding opportunities that support ongoing partnership efforts of social work education and the Federated States of Micronesia.
- Examine social issues facing the Federated States of Micronesia and the role of social work in addressing these challenges.
- Provide expertise in reviewing the effectiveness of social work interventions, education programs, and community projects related to FSM connected communities.
- Support presentations that contribute to the global understanding of social work in the geographic region of Micronesia.
- Advise on social work perspectives from an FSM lens.
- Advise on the development of engagement strategies that connect experienced social workers from the Thompson School with emerging professionals connected to Federated States of Micronesia.
- Assist in the linking organizations adjacent and connected to social work in the geographic region of Micronesia, to promote ongoing development and support.
- Provide support in engaging FSM connected NGO’s, Government & Community leaders in conversations related to social work and social services.
- Advise on the creation of tailored continuing education, certification programs, and faculty development initiatives that benefit social work professionals in the region.
- Assist in identification of potential field placement opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work.
- 10 years progressively increasing post MSW social work experience connected with individuals and communities associated with the geographic region of Micronesia.
- Experience in integrating cultural considerations into social work practice.
- Strong experience in connecting with FSM serving organizations.
- Strong oral, writing, and interpersonal skills.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience launching community organization(s) serving people connected to the geographic area of Micronesia.
- Expertise in facilitating cultural training related to people from the geographic region of Micronesia to service providers in multiple sectors.
To Apply:
Applicants must submit the following:
(1) Resume
(2) Cover letter indicating interest in the position and how the minimum and desirable qualifications are met
(3) Names and contact information (including e-mail address) of at least 3 professional references
(4) Copies of educational transcripts with confidential information redacted (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.). Official transcripts are required upon hire.
Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
Inquiries:
Theresa Kreif, kreif@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
See All 54 Social Services Specialist Jobs in Hawaii
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Find JobsSocial Services Specialist Jobs by City in Hawaii
Where Hawaii roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Services Specialist Job Market in Hawaii
A snapshot from current Hawaii openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Hawaii Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social services specialist jobs across Hawaii.
- Active Hawaii state social worker license or eligibility for licensure through the Hawaii DCCA
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related human services field
- Experience conducting client assessments, case management, or service coordination
- Familiarity with Hawaii community resources and state-administered benefit programs
- Valid Hawaii driver's license and ability to travel between client sites or island locations
- Proficiency in documenting case notes and maintaining records in electronic case management systems
Social Services Specialist Jobs in Hawaii: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social services specialist in Hawaii?
To work as a social services specialist in Hawaii, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, and many positions require licensure through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The DCCA licenses social workers at multiple levels, starting with the Licensed Social Worker credential, which requires an accredited degree and a background check. State and county government roles may also require passing a civil service examination administered through the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development.
Which companies hire social services specialists in Hawaii?
Companies currently hiring social services specialists in Hawaii include The Judiciary, State of Hawaii, State of Hawaii, and Kaiser Permanente, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hawaii's nonprofit sector and state agencies account for a large share of openings, particularly organizations serving Native Hawaiian communities and federally funded programs under the Department of Human Services.
Which Hawaii cities have the most social services specialist jobs?
Honolulu, Hilo, and Wailuku have the most social services specialist openings in Hawaii. Honolulu drives the majority of listings as the seat of state government and the location of the largest hospitals, nonprofits, and county service agencies, while Hilo and Kailua-Kona reflect the Hawaii Island population centers where DHS field offices and community health organizations maintain year-round staffing needs.
Are there remote social services specialist jobs in Hawaii?
Yes, but they're rare. Social services specialist work is largely client-facing and community-based, which limits full remote arrangements. About 21% of social services specialist openings tied to Hawaii are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to cover administrative coordination, grant writing, or program oversight roles rather than direct case management or field work.
How can I get hired as a social services specialist in Hawaii with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for case aide, social service assistant, or community health worker positions with the Hawaii Department of Human Services or large nonprofits such as Catholic Charities Hawaii, Aloha United Way, or Kapiolani Health. These organizations regularly bring on candidates with a bachelor's degree who have not yet accumulated direct case management experience. Volunteering or interning with a Hawaii county social services division strengthens an application considerably, and candidates who are pursuing or have completed the Licensed Social Worker credential through the Hawaii DCCA stand out even at the entry level.
Where can I find and apply to social services specialist jobs in Hawaii?
You can find and apply to social services specialist jobs in Hawaii on Migrate Mate, which lists current Hawaii openings in one place. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 54 Social Services Specialist Jobs in Hawaii
Find roles in Hawaii that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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