State Minister Emphasises Important Role of Professional Social Workers

The role of professional social workers is crucial as Jamaica strides along the path towards attaining its goals under Vision 2030, says Minister of State in the Labour and Social Security Ministry, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn.

Speaking at the International Social Care Services Social Work Conference, held on March 19 at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, Dr. Dunn said with the Administration fostering a sustainable and inclusive society, importance of the profession is growing.

“The role of professional social workers in Jamaica has never been more pivotal. It is the social work profession that we look to for implementing workable solutions to direct polices on addressing longstanding issues such as sexual abuse, domestic violence and mental health, among others,” he said.

He pointed out that the University of the West Indies produces 30 to 50 professionals at the bachelor’s level annually, and seven to eight at the master’s level, while community colleges train persons at the associate degree level, adding that issues preventing more individuals gaining formal qualifications must be tackled.

“We must identify the issues at the root of our difficulties in attracting and retaining this group of professionals, which is vital to this nation’s ability to thrive and progress,” he said.

The Minister of State said social workers are advocates, community liaisons, and the arm of his Ministry that meet individuals and families at the point of their needs, in the homes, “guiding them to identify solutions and options,” and to assist in bypassing barriers to accessing critical services.

“The demand for social workers has surged to unprecedented levels, a reflection of the critical role that they have played and continue to play, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and the ensuing cost-of-living. The demand underscores the urgency of our mission to find innovative solutions to successful recruitment and retention of qualified professionals in the field,” Dr. Dunn said.

Vision 2030 Jamaica is the country’s first long-term National Development Plan, which aims at enabling Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030.

It is based on a comprehensive vision: “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”.