Q & A with Dave Hoffpauir, LCSW

May 14-20, 2018

We sat down with Dave Hoffpauir, a social worker at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and adjunct professor of Social Work at UA Little Rock to chat about work and tips for success.

Can you speak to your education in social work? What do you do day-to-day?

I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and 25 plus years of training in the classroom and out in the field working with students, families, groups, and individuals, as well as community agencies and organizations.

I am a clinician at the VA and our mission is to help Veterans get clean and sober while establishing a reliable support system to help them maintain this. I also teach social work to undergraduate and graduate students. It is important to mention that I am currently and have been involved for many years as a volunteer/board member working with several non-profit groups. I love doing this work and it helps me to maintain balance in my life.

What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in defining your career?

My biggest hurdle was going back to graduate school later in life after I had already reached some success in another career. It was a worthwhile risk!

What is your favorite thing about what you do?

I love working with veterans and seeing them regain their lives and I love working with students who eventually become my colleagues. I do not take my role in their lives lightly and I try to do a good job as a gatekeeper for my profession but also as a mentor for future social work professionals.

How do you stay up-to-date with the trends in your industry?

There is not a lot of competition and I am lucky to have quite a bit of job security but I am constantly training by keeping current with social work literature and attending conferences, trainings and skills workshops.

How do you like living in the capital?

I love living in Little Rock. I moved here from North Louisiana 25 years ago and it has truly been the “Land of Opportunity” and a great home for me and my family. I am also a professional musician and I enjoy playing live, recording and going out to see live music. I am also a bit of a “foodie!” We are lucky to have a vibrant music scene here and there are also great local restaurants.

What advice would you give someone starting out? Do you practice anything special in your routine for success?

Advice I would give to someone starting out would be to work hard and to be honest, open-minded and willing, which I have come to learn is a recipe for success.

I practice mindfulness all day long and I meditate several times a day. I also practice several other types of self-care like taking mental health days, playing music, and playing golf. Lifestyle balance is the key to happiness and I try to practice what I preach!