Opinion: Celebrating National Social Workers' Day

Social workers over the past year have worked with people who have been greatly affected by the increasing social deficit created by the cost of living crisis, the impact of the climate crisis and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The work of social workers involves supporting individuals, families and communities who experience social pressure and stress due to inadequate housing, the impact of substance use, ruptured relationships, family violence, crime, financial insecurity and poverty and food insecurity. Social workers walk alongside people during distress, grief and trauma when social circumstances impact their human rights, livelihood, health, well-being and dignity.

They make a difference in the individuals, families, whānau and communities' lives and support people to transition, change and transform their situations and circumstances. Working with individuals, families and communities towards transformative change is a rewarding experience that enriches social workers, the people they work with, and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Demand for Social Work Services Report highlights the challenge of filling social worker vacancies and the mismatch between the supply of social workers and the demand for social work services. The number of graduates produced in Aotearoa over the past four years has averaged less than 500, which is far less than the advertised vacancies. There is a clear and obvious need to recruit more people to become social workers and support them through their studies and into employment.

The pay equity settlement in July extended pay equity to all social workers and employees undertaking social work in community and iwi organisations. This means that remuneration for social workers in the state sector, community and iwi organisations is now equivalent to that of other related professions.

This National Social Workers' Day, it is timely to promote strengthening the social work workforce and recruiting more people into the profession. If you or someone you know wants to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, whānau and communities and work towards a more tolerant, caring and humane society in which no one is left alone, left out or left behind, please consider a career in social work.

It is a rewarding career and one that will make a real difference and contribution to Aotearoa.