Martin Routledge’s Post

How can we build a #resilient social services #workforce? Developing, retaining and attracting the right people into #socialservices are key success factors for the implementation of the European social policies. How well are we responding to this challenge? Read more: https://buff.ly/47Z1qB7

🌍🤍 World Social Work Day 🤍🌍 Happy World Social Work Day to all of my fabulous Social Worker friends, colleagues and connections. The work you do is invaluable and imperative to the wellbeing of the individuals and families that you support and advocate for 🤍 - Social Worker Day recognises the hard work and dedication of social workers. A global organisation of social workers comes together for social justice, human rights, and social development all through the promotion of best practices in social work. Social workers serve many roles in their communities. They assess their client's needs and challenges. As advocates, they speak for their clients, getting them access to the resources they need to improve their lives. Social workers also respond to crisis situations. - This years theme is 'Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change' which emphasises the need for social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches that are grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature. - On a personal note, it is incredibly rewarding to work in partnership with our local authorities and Social Workers. Knowing that your actions have made a difference, no matter how small, brings a huge sense of fulfilment and purpose. It is my absolute honour and pleasure to represent such fantastic Social Work candidates, they are examples of what we should all strive to be. Caring, resilient, selfless, the list goes on. - Thank you to all the compassionate and committed social workers out there. Your tireless efforts to support those who need it most do not go unnoticed. In my eyes, you are real life angels, spreading kindness, empathy, and hope wherever you go. Whether it’s helping a struggling family, supporting a survivor of domestic violence, or advocating for vulnerable children, your work makes a profound difference. Your dedication is a beacon of light in our sometimes challenging world. 🌟 #worldsocialworkday #socialworkers #socialworkday #socialworkmonth #socialworker #angels

AACA Joins Call to Change the Script on Social Work We're supporting Social Work England, the regulator in England, calling on the entertainment industry to Change the Script on social work. Change the Script aims to raise awareness of the consequences that negative depictions of social workers have on society. It urges TV and filmmakers to portray social work more accurately and share more about social workers' positive daily impact on people’s lives. The campaign follows the release of two new pieces of research by YouGov, on behalf of Social Work England, that explores the perceptions of social work in society. Media negativity, including misrepresentations of social workers, is a common theme throughout the findings. Social workers believe the all-to-often inaccurate and damaging storylines contribute to mounting recruitment and retention challenges in the profession. Social Work England’s Chief Executive, Colum Conway, said:  “Despite how social workers are often portrayed in popular culture, our research tells us that the vast majority are proud to tell others about their job. They are highly trained and regulated, ensuring high standards are maintained. But more than this, social workers are committed to making a positive change. Each year, they help millions of people improve their life chances." It’s time to Change the Script for social work. Find out more about social work and how you can support this campaign by visiting: https://lnkd.in/dFv7vQM #changethescriptonsocialwork #safeguarding #media #socialcare #socialwork

Agents of Change is excited to share our 2024 State of Social Work Report with the Social Work community! Thank you to the 270 Social Workers who completed our survey, we really appreciate it. Here are a few highlights from this year's report: * 39% of Social Workers are likely to change their jobs in the next 12 months * 61% mentioned the desire to earn a higher salary as their primary motivation to change jobs * Community Mental Health, Substance Use and Abuse, and Child and Family Social Workers reported the highest stress levels * 64% of Social Workers are either “very positive” or “somewhat positive” about the future of Social Work * Only 21% of Social Workers are "very positive" or "somewhat positive" about AI and Social Work Learn more in the report and infographic: https://lnkd.in/ehXGAVn7

Since social workers are devoted to helping people get the resources they need to succeed, we thought we’d do the same for you! Whether that's a laugh or cry at the end of a long day, we've got you covered. (New in 2024: strategies for industry leaders, partners, and advocates to rally around social workers and support their well-being.) #EmpoweringSocialWorkers #SocialWorkMonth https://lnkd.in/dZsueTG5

🌟 Big Challenge, Bigger Opportunity in Social Care! 🌈 Despite the sector's efforts, recruitment and retention in social care continue to be a significant challenge. With a pressing need for a skilled and valued workforce, it's time to think differently. 💭👥 At Simply Social Care, we embrace these challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. Our 'Person Centred Recruitment' approach is more than just filling positions; it's about building a community of dedicated professionals who are ready to make a difference. 🚀 Join us in transforming social care. Whether you're seeking a meaningful career or looking to contribute your skills, there's a place for you here. Together, we can overcome obstacles and enhance the lives of those we serve. #SimplySocialCare #BeTheChange #SocialCareHeroes Dive into the details and explore how you can be part of the solution: https://lnkd.in/eJ22ugy9

Discover the diverse roles of social workers and how they make a difference in our communities. Explore the various fields of social work that can align with your skills and interests. #SocialWorkCareers #OnlineDegree #HigherEducation #UMassGlobal #CareerAdvancement #SocialWork

#NASW #NSWM24 https://lnkd.in/e_rhucNk Social Work Month 2024 Proclamation: Empowering Social Workers   WHEREAS, Social Work is a profession truly dedicated to helping people; WHEREAS, the primary mission of Social Work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of all people; WHEREAS, Social Workers put a particular focus on helping people who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty; WHEREAS, Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics that calls on them to fight social injustice and respect the dignity and worth of all people; WHEREAS, Social Workers meet people where they are and help people and communities reach their full potential; WHEREAS, the Social Work profession for more than a century has worked to improve this society, with Social Workers playing a role in establishing a minimum wage, Social Security, and Medicare and working to ensure equal rights for women, African Americans, and people who are LGBTQIA2S+; WHEREAS, Social Workers work in all facets of our society, including schools, hospitals, community organizations, the military, mental health centers, social service agencies, corporations, and local, state and federal government; WHEREAS, Social Workers are on the frontlines in helping this nation solve pressing social problems, including an increased demand for mental health services; an opioid addiction crisis; and economic inequality; WHEREAS, Social Workers are in high demand, with some states reporting shortages in Social Work staffing and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting Social Work will be one of the fastest-growing professions in our nation during this decade; WHEREAS, a public opinion survey from Ipsos said Social Work has a public approval rating of more than 80 percent and more than half of Americans say Social Workers deserve higher pay; WHEREAS, the 2024 Social Work Month theme, “Empowering Social Workers” embodies the need for society to support Social Workers so they can continue to do the life-affirming work they do and help address societal needs; WHEREAS, Social Workers, in turn, empower people, communities, and our nation, helping everyone achieve their full potential. NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America’s Social Workers, I, Jessica Hughes, LCSW, proclaim the month of March 2024 as National Social Work Month and call upon all citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers and the #VHA in celebration and support of the Social Work Profession. Happy SOCIAL WORK month!

Day 6: Happy Social Work Month! Empowering Social Workers! To empower social workers in their mission to inspire action and lead change, individuals, communities, organizations, and policymakers can play significant roles. Here are six ways you can support and empower social workers: 🔹 Advocate for Policy & Funding: Push for policies and funding that bolster social work. Your voice can drive change! 🔹 Value Social Work: Celebrate and recognize social workers’ impact. Acknowledgments, awards, and media highlights raise awareness and morale. 🔹 Collaboration Opportunities: Engage with social workers through partnerships, special projects, and research. Together, we can solve complex issues. 🔹 Professional Development: Support access to education and training for social workers, keeping them on the cutting edge of their field. 🔹 Amplify Voices: Give social workers platforms to share their stories and insights, influencing public opinion and inspiring action. 🔹 Fair Compensation: Advocate for better pay and benefits for social workers, acknowledging their dedication and the challenging nature of their work. Let’s champion social workers by creating environments that support their growth, value their contribution, and equip them to drive meaningful change. #SocialWork #Empowerment #changemakers #socialworkmonth #swloudandproud

Social workers for the social care future? Another conversation yesterday about social work, one of many in recent times. It is clear that the context social workers are operating in makes it really difficult for them to play the part they want to in helping people lead the lives they want to live. Despite this, many find ways - mostly despite rather than because of the system - to do what they can beyond the “assess and place” process care management & commissioning has mainly become. I reflected on my brief time as a social work manager, as Care Management came in. We did our best to pretend it hadn’t & to start by talking with people about what mattered to them not what their deficits were. Social work must have an important part in the social care future. But it won’t just happen. Social workers will have to come together with people who draw on support as allies and build serious strategy and tactics to change conditions and change the part their profession plays. What can social workers do about this?