The work of social workers changes alongside people’s needs. Professionals need opportunities to update their knowledge and develop their skills, while the state has a responsibility to support them in this process.
That is why the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a resolution developed by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, introducing a unified system for the professional development of social sector workers.
We developed this initiative together with UNICEF Ukraine and the League of Social Workers of Ukraine, with the support of the Government of Sweden, and based it on the needs of professionals. We conducted two studies of the sector’s human resources capacity, collected feedback from social service workers and managers across the regions, and involved educational institutions and experts in the process.
📉 The studies showed that only about 15% of social sector workers have specialized professional education. This highlights the need for accessible learning and professional development opportunities for those already working in the field.
The professional development system will be coordinated by the National Social Service of Ukraine. It will approve training programs, identify priority areas, and publish information about available training opportunities and their providers.
Professionals will be able to choose learning opportunities according to their individual needs. These may include courses, training sessions, internships, peer-learning and experience-sharing opportunities, or self-directed learning. For those just entering the field, the system provides for weekly supervision during the first three months of employment, as well as a basic training program. Learning outcomes will be recognized through ECTS credits and taken into account during professional certification. Professionals will be encouraged to earn at least one ECTS credit each year — equivalent to 30 hours of learning.
The system will help professionals grow in their careers and receive ongoing support in their work. Its implementation will not require additional expenditures from the state or local budgets.