According to the authorities, the amendments also seek to address the issue of human resources within the system. Only 62 per cent of community social workers hold a higher education qualification, and approximately 23 per cent are graduates in social work. At the same time, the number of full-time graduates in this discipline has fallen significantly in recent years.
The draft provides for the introduction of a comprehensive career path for employees in the sector, which will include induction, continuous professional development, supervision and professional accreditation. Furthermore, five qualification levels will be established, each of which will be remunerated through an additional monthly salary supplement, depending on the level attained.
For professionals already working in the system, the certification process is to be carried out in stages over a period of three years.
“We must invest in professionals and improve the quality of the services citizens receive. Through this project, we are not only introducing new requirements for employees, but also creating a mechanism through which competence, experience and performance are developed, assessed and recognised, including financially,” said the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru.
Community social workers provide between 30,000 and 40,000 consultations each week and manage approximately 66,000 cases annually.
The amendments approved by the Government also aim to digitise social services and support the professional development of staff, with the aim of strengthening the system’s capacity to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.
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