Every year in March social workers and other front-line staff who are dedicated to helping vulnerable people throughout the province are recognized during Social Work Week.
The theme-of-the-week this year is “Social Work is Essential”, which aims to shine a light on the invaluable role social workers have played throughout the pandemic.
“Social work professionals often work beyond a 9-5 workday, putting in extra hours to support the people they serve,” says Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development and Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in a news release.
“This past year has brought new and unexpected challenges and an added layer of complexity for everyone who supports others in their times of need. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the emotional labour usually involved in this work has greatly increased. We want social workers and front-line staff to know their extra efforts are seen and valued.”
BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW) explains that during the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have been on the frontlines along with doctors, nurses, grocery store staff, and other essential employees.
“Social workers see the challenges many clients, often the most vulnerable, have been facing with the increased constraints in face-to-face service provision and the limitations and restrictions on resources as a part of public health and safety policies,” says Karla Bloomfield, branch chair of the BCASW– Northern Branch, in a news release.
Hospital social workers have also been offering increasing emotional support to inpatients and their families as their inter-professional colleagues work hard to attending to their physical health needs.
“In this year of uncertainty, when called upon social workers took to the streets or to hospitals’ hallways. They have found quiet moments to be still with those who are grieving or struggling. They have walked beside those suffering alone. They recognize the limitations and challenges with virtual care for some of the most vulnerable in our society,” says Bloomfield.
“They listened first, and then heeded the calls for better systems and supports. Social workers have taken a stand against racism, injustice, and oppression. All the while, many did so as they considered risk to themselves or their families as they donned protective gear and stepped in health care settings, into homes, or onto the streets to offer services.”
Social Work Week takes place between today, March 14 to March 20. This year the BCASW Northern Branch is virtually celebrating Social Work Week with daily programming including TikToks, a Bridget Moran documentary, and professional development webinars.
To find the full schedule of events check out the BCASW Northern Branch on Facebook.
