Greater support for S'pore's social service workforce to meet complex needs

New measures to bolster the social service workforce were announced on Dec 9 to meet the needs of an ageing population and families with more complex challenges.

- Theresa Tan Senior Social Affairs Correspondent

Among the initiatives is a study award to encourage more people to join the social service sector to support full-fledged professionals such as social workers.

The Social Service Tribe Study Award will be expanded from April to support those pursuing associate-level qualifications at polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education, such as a diploma in social work.

Currently, the study award supports only those who attain full professional qualifications, such as a degree in social work or physiotherapy.

From April, the Professional Development Sponsorship will also be fully funded, up from covering 75 per cent of tuition fees. The scheme helps recipients obtain their first professional qualification, such as a graduate diploma in social work or a master's degree in psychology.

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said these initiatives are meant to widen the pipeline of sector professionals and equip those in the field to meet changing needs.