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Hi Dear Ones,
(Prasad, you can circulate my mail if it is worth reading)
Yes it is a good time to ruminate over Professionalism. The past, present and future scenario of Indian social work, the service delivery style and potential and most importantly the needs of the needy are still unresearched.
The cry for professional recognition wouldn't be heard unless there is structured selling of the profession.
But again the positions of M& E, Documentation consultatnt, etc are I believe some of the strong forts of Social Work. There are diversity in Social Work in India (that brings in more employment for SWs- it is an opportunity rather than a threat) where as it is more clinically oriented in other countries though Social Work is well recognised among the MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team).
For instance the Australian scenario: The strength behind Social Work here is the strong presence and lobbying of AASW. It is costly to get registered (650 AUD) and get accredited (400AUD) annually but it serves the profession. Govt supports SWs to do private practice. There are 1,100 registered SWs in Australia practicing under Medicare. I am an accredited SW practicing privately. More moments of social work, recognition and more Dollars!!!!
So if I pull things together, a lot of work is required to define- redefine the role of IASW. The Govt has to identify it as a Gazetted body that assess the skills of social workers, addresses the concerns and issues of social workers, addresses the Continued Professional Education needs etc. Make the Govt to review the social work profession and put a price tag on Social Workers. Then the NGOs/INGOS who coordinates major chunk of social work initiatives in India would hire the social workers in line with the prescribed wage scale. Hoz this?
When I say about a National body I mean a living body not a dead body…..
But please do not cry endlessly. It is not good to hear! But make strong coordinated steps. The hue and cry on professional recognition has been there for a long time, it is not a new thing. Very rarely do they make any change, because lack of coordination among social workers. Lack of faith in social work as a reliable livelihood option! Yes a coordinated effort can bring in change. I believe in the potential of Social Work and what all things I reap in my life has a strong bearing of social work. (I worked for 8 years in various parts of India).
Another thought: There are some exceptionally well recognised /functioning social workers across the country earning more than RS.150000 pm. What is the mystery behind them? Research these success stories... can they tell the beginners something worth of listening?
Pardon my ignorance
All the very best
Babu
Sr. Social Worker (Acc.)
Wollongong Hospital
Sydney.
** If anybody is interested in clinical Mental Health Social Work I am willing to share some information.
Baburaj Chandran
08, Cleary Avenue,
Kanahooka, New South Wales-2530,
Australia.
Mob: 0405416760
Res:02 42462 5680
Subject: Re: VACANCYYYYYYYYYY
To: "preetha k.v" <podu...@gmail.com>
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P" <chit...@gmail.com>, "Colbe Davis Joseph" <colbe...@gmail.com>, "cool mann" <coolma...@yahoo.co.in>, "DEEPAK KRISHNAMANGALAM" <ojde...@rediffmail.com>, "DEEPAK.OJ KSWC (Reg.No.Q.737/07)" <sheena....@gmail.com>, "Deepthi Krishnan" <deepthi...@gmail.com>, "Emmanuel K A" <emman...@gmail.com>, "Febin Steven / Wishin Merry Christmas╰_╯" <febi...@gmail.com>, "Fr.Aneesh koovalloor" <a.koov...@gmail.com>, "fr.robin thadathil" <tommas...@gmail.com>, "gireesh cg" <cggi...@gmail.com>, "Gopan S" <your...@gmail.com>, "hari sir" <harik...@rediff.com>, "Haris Nenmeni" <harisn...@gmail.com>, "Haseem KV" <hasee...@gmail.com>, in...@caddcentre.ws, "in...@mobinosys.com" <in...@mobinosys.com>, in...@shipit.ubuntu.com, "it public" <itpublic.in@gmail.com>, "Jacob Mathew" <jacobkoch...@gmail.com>, "Jamsheela Afeef" <jamshee...@gmail.com>, "jayanesh mk" <jayan...@gmail.com>, "jeo john chalakkal" <jeocha...@gmail.com>, "jeojo RMEC" <joejop...@yahoo.com>, "jijo iduki" <jijoi...@gmail.com>, "Jijo Mathai" 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Received: Saturday, 4 June, 2011, 3:00 PM
I am glad that you have mentioned some other points apart from economic problems. I would like to inform you about real issues behind salary. Marxian theory is well applicable in our situation. Our labor is not recognized by the wages. In an organization especially in NGO sector, most of the works are done by professional social workers only. In order to produce maximum result, the professionals are to be vigilant and they have to update knowledge base. My question here is, have this background effort been appreciated or recognized by any organizations? The organizations have appointed you not because of your MSW degree but they believe that your understanding of social work as well as society could be a contributing factor for the further growth of the organization. MSW is just a platform for an understanding of social work. We need to update our knowledge by other sources. In order to meet or satisfy our material needs we should have the economic support. As well, the social position and structure are also important elements for producing better results. Although I have posted the following paragraph earlier but resending for just a discussion.
1 liter petrol costs 68-70 rupees. 1 KG rice costs 35 rupees. Minimum charge to travel by bus in Kerala costs 5 rupees and Minimum wage for a labor is 250 -300 rupees. Then how come a Person with a masters degree in social work is so cheap in the market? How do the organizations expect an experienced person to work for such a low wage?
We should understand that it’s a created condition. I hope you may all aware that in Kerala there is an association for NGO directors and through which they have presented their demand to KSACS and achieved few years ago. So why couldn’t we? I am sure that without our help, the Ngos could not achieve their objectives. The organization could not perform in the ground level whatever they feel. In order to achieve the aim, they need to have knowledge base, a code of ethics and PME skills and strong vision with control of emotions (A simple version of professionalism).
I know there are so many experienced hands in our forum. They can guide and support our juniors to find and show better path in the world of social work instead of pushing them to adjust with such situations. We should create a demand. When demand comes, the market value raises.
I express my sincere thanks to all who responded to the discussion. I believe that this is a starting point to the change.
regards
prasad
On Sat, Jun 4, 2011 at 1:38 PM, preetha k.v <podu...@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear All,
I appreciate this discussion. As a follow-up i would like to add on to the comments made by various people. Are you only concerned about the financial matters (salary)?
This vacancy ad throws light on different issues.
1. The mediocre salary (Rs 6000) is obviously an issue.
2. The designation demands MSW only as an "optional" qualification. It shows that PG holder of any social science is eligible for the post.
3. The designation (M& E OFFICER) conveys a "hi-fi' impression where as the package is a total mismatch.
4. The second opening (outreach worker) requires only a minimal qualification "Plus two" which has an equivalent salary as that of a professional/PG degree holder.
I think this is not a unique case. Most of the recruitment of social worker has similar characteristics. We need to probe into these kind of issues.
Secondly i would like to highlight the issue of 'professionalism'. What do you mean by 'professional service'? How will you differentiate it from social service?
Even there are cases where, in spite of having attractive salary and better designation, people are ending up in a very different kind of work, they never utilize their professional knowledge and skills. This issue regarding nature of work should also be highlighted along with the so called professional work.
Regards....
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Preetha
MIDS
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