CA – In a joint effort to educate about the social work profession, advocate to address workforce shortages, and demand better salaries for social workers, The California Association of School Social Workers (CASSW), National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter (NASW-CA), and the California Society for Clinical Social Work (CSCSW) released a statement Monday urging institutional and elected leaders to take action. The statement cited impacts of COVID-19 and increased consumer demand for social workers and services they provide, calling for five systemic and policy changes to address substandard Social Worker salaries throughout the state of California.
The statement highlights salary disparities between fields focused on physical needs and the social work field – which primarily focuses on systemic issues, justice, and behavioral health needs – adding, “Why do we pay those who help and care for the vulnerable the least and pay those outside the helping profession more?” Amid major workforce crises, the organizations question why policy strategies are not more embracing of salary enhancements when this continues to be one of the top reasons why providers cannot sustain in the field.
CASSW, NASW-CA, and CSCSW call on organizational leaders and policymakers to consider five urgent actions for policy and organizational change to address pay equity and recognize the value of Social Workers and the positive impact they have on their communities, including:
- Examining how public funding reflects accountability measures to ensure counties are adequately funding their contracted providers;
- Ensuring private funding through Foundations reflects workforce priorities;
- Investing in building organizational capacity to prioritize behavioral health equitably with physical health;
- Supporting Consumer and Title Protection for Social Work in state statute;
- And helping change the narrative that Social Work equates to low pay.
“Change is overdue,” the organizations note in conclusion, affirming their commitment to supporting Social Workers in advocating for the changes needed to sustain this vital workforce.
