Finnish government proposes easing temporary social worker requirements amid staff shortages

The Finnish government has proposed easing the eligibility requirements for temporary social workers in response to a shortage of staff in child protection services. According to a recent ruling by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, individuals who have completed basic and advanced studies in social work at an open university, along with practical training, may serve as temporary social workers. This individual must work under the supervision of a qualified social worker and can hold the position for up to one year.

Currently, the law restricts temporary positions to social work students who have completed their theoretical and practical training. The proposed amendment to the Social Welfare Professionals Act is set to take effect in January 2025. However, Talentia, the professional union for social workers, criticizes the proposal as vague and expresses concerns it could increase turnover in the sector.

Siv Kola, the interim head of child protection for the Ostrobothnia welfare region, believes the law change could worsen the situation in child protection rather than alleviating it. She voiced concerns about the increased burden on qualified staff who would be responsible for overseeing temporary workers, emphasizing the need for constant support for these individuals, which detracts from client work.

Kola highlighted that effective social work necessitates understanding a family’s situation, warning that continuously bringing in temporary workers could lead to knowledge loss about families. She advocates for long-term solutions to resource shortages, stating that the system needs to provide reasonable case loads and competitive salaries while ensuring ongoing training for staff. Overall, Kola stresses that the focus should not only be on child protection but the entire social welfare field, underscoring the necessity for a supportive leadership culture.