Remarks for NASWs Capitol Rally

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Thank you, Jenna.  I appreciate the opportunity to join NASW-Pennsylvania for its Legislative Advocacy Day.  I commend all of you for taking time today to visit with your elected officials.  As a legislator, I believe it of great value to hear from those on the frontlines and in our communities working every day.  Such input and feedback greatly enhances the legislative process. 

The services that social workers provide – whether it’s to the elderly, to those with disabilities, or to at-risk children and families, are critical to the well-being of our citizens.  I applaud each and every one of you for your dedication to such a noble calling.  It is because of your efforts that many Pennsylvanians will enjoy a better life.  I recognize the many challenges you face and  I commend you for dedicating your time and talents to helping others.  That’s one of the reasons I introduced House Bill 2352.

House Bill 2352 would create a social service worker license within the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

As you know, there is currently no professional license associated with entry-level direct service providers in Pennsylvania.  This is remarkable when you consider the wide variety of other professions that are required to be licensed;  barbers, nail technicians, funeral directors and so on.  I believe that licensing individuals in human services will increase the personal commitment and ethical standards of these workers, as well as increase the retention of these employees, the quality of services provided, and hopefully their compensation. 

While licensure would not be mandatory, it would demonstrate that the worker is committed to the human services field and plans to make this work a career.  It also shows that the professional has met basic educational standards.  Individuals with a social work bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, child development, or human development would be eligible for licensure.

Direct practice human service professionals work with Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations in fields such as mental health, child welfare, mental retardation, domestic violence, aging services and the chronically ill.  Licensure provides accountability as these workers provide services to our most at-risk populations.

I look forward to working with NASW-Pennsylvania to move this legislation forward.  Thank you again for the opportunity to join you today and thank you for your service to the citizens of Pennsylvania.