Learn about social work, find out how you can be a social worker and if you are already a social work trained practitioner, join us for support and professional development.
Social Work is a dynamic and multi-faceted profession that works towards enhancing human well-being and social conditions. It is a profession governed by the ethical values and principles and based on theoretical body of knowledge and systematic approach of assessment, intervention and action plans.
A Social Worker works at different levels and with differing target clients. The work could be developmental, preventive and also remedial. Clients range from individuals, families, groups and larger communities of society.
A Social Work career begins with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. Post Graduate, Masters and Doctorate degrees provide a pathway for further professional development.
Social Workers in Singapore are found in a variety of work settings. Predominantly, they will be involved in case management, working with individuals and families in Family Service Centres, Community Development Centres, Prisons and other Corrective and Rehabilitation agencies, Hospitals, Hospices and other health agencies. They are also involved in Policy making, Teaching, Management Training, Social Research and Human Resources Management. Others work specialise as counsellors or psychotherapists.
The Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) is a national body of professionals established since 1971, to represent Social Workers in Singapore.
Accreditation for Social Work Practice
The Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW), together with the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and the National Council of Social Service, will be launching the accreditation for Social Workers and Social Service Practitioners from 1 April 2009.
This accreditation system replaces the current registration for social workers that was set up by the SASW in 2004.
The aim of accreditation is to
ensure professional standards of Social Work practice;
promote continual education and training of Social Workers and Social Service Practitioners;
improve the professional image of Social Workers and Social Service Practitioners; and
groom leaders to guide young Social Workers and Social Service Practitioners.
An Accreditation Board has been formed comprising established members from the sector. The SASW will function as the Accreditation Secretariat for the Board.
Please click here for more details on the Accreditation System.
Sabbatical Leave Scheme for Social Workers in the Social Service Sector
The Sabbatical Leave Scheme for Social Workers is now open for application. The scheme allows you to apply up till 10 weeks of paid leave to refresh yourself. On top of that, you can also seek for professional advancement sponsorship of up to S$30,000 to engage in training/activities for professional development of your own choice. For more details and to download the application form, please visit http://www.ncss.org.sg/vwocorner/s_leave.htm.All completed application forms should be submitted to NCSS by 3 July 2009.
