Almost one-third of Ukraine's population belongs to socially vulnerable groups. Specifically, as of 2023, 20% of the population, equivalent to 7.34 million people, are of pensionable age
Subscribe to follow campaign updates!
Almost one-third of Ukraine's population belongs to socially vulnerable groups. Specifically, as of 2023, 20% of the population, equivalent to 7.34 million people, are of pensionable age. There are also 3 million people with disabilities, and the prolonged full-scale war has significantly increased the numbers in these categories.
The majority of individuals in these groups require assistance, extending beyond financial aid to include essential social services. This encompasses basic household support and psychological assistance. However, with only 250,000 social workers in Ukraine for several million people with such needs, there is a notable gap.
Government officials acknowledge the issue, emphasizing that resolving it is challenging amid the constraints of war and a limited budget. Consequently, entrepreneurs and concerned civic activists have taken matters into their own hands.
The overall assistance program for vulnerable groups in Ukraine remains unfulfilled. The Ministry of Reintegration acknowledges that Ukraine requires more rehabilitation specialists, various centers, and departments to help people restore functionality, especially considering the increasing number of people with injuries. While medical assistance is essential, the social situation poses additional challenges.
So, what is the role of a social worker in Ukraine? The Ministry of Social Policy provides a clear explanation of their duties:
Social workers in Ukraine primarily work with specific categories outlined by Ukrainian legislation, including the elderly, registered unemployed individuals, people with disabilities, and helpless patients.
The role of a professional in the field demands a broad skill set, encompassing the ability to manage household tasks, provide personal and other essential services, adhere to caregiving norms, understand the specifics of household equipment, tools, and other devices, possess basic knowledge of dietetics, demonstrate cooking skills, deliver basic medical care, and create safe sanitary conditions for individuals. Additionally, the job requires appropriate psychological qualifications or, at the very least, basic communication skills to interact comfortably with people.
The list of requirements is undeniably extensive. Yet, the average salary for a social worker in Ukraine is around 10,000 hryvnias. Analyzing current market offerings reveals that this amount is the highest compensation one can expect, considering that the individual simultaneously functions as a psychologist, junior medical and home assistant, courier, companion, and assists not just one but several dozen clients. Clearly, this remuneration is insufficient to attract potential candidates to the profession.
There is another aspect to the problem: the inadequate qualification of social workers. Numerous factors contribute to this, including poor training, certain psychological aspects, and a lack of communication skills when dealing with individuals with special needs. The situation is genuinely problematic and requires change. Fortunately, thanks to concerned individuals, some changes — albeit local ones — are taking place.
Ensuring the quality training of social workers is one of the key objectives of the Women’s Aid International charitable foundation. The founder of the foundation is Ukrainian entrepreneur and volunteer Yana Matviychuk. In addition to assisting displaced persons, people with disabilities, and the elderly living in the Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts of Kyiv, the foundation is actively involved in the development of the social sphere in the capital.
«I believe that the training of professional social workers is a direction that the local community should develop with the initiative and support of responsible businesses. Where the state cannot fully accomplish its tasks, it is worth taking them on ourselves», emphasizes Yana Matviychuk.
Therefore, the foundation implements its programs in the communities of the Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts, where Yana Matviychuk's company operates. She is convinced that supporting quality changes should begin primarily in one's own community.
In December 2022, the Women’s Aid International organization concluded the project «Standards of Quality Volunteer Assistance to the Elderly». Within the project, 38 social workers and volunteers underwent training. Specialists received and updated their knowledge of communication with vulnerable groups of people. This includes stress resistance, conflict resolution, and protection against emotional burnout.
«I was able to implement this project thanks to the Scholarship Program of the European Union for leaders of civil society in the Eastern Partnership countries», — says Yana Matviychuk.
In 2023, the idea received a logical and more extensive continuation. The Women’s Aid International Charity Fund, with the support of the U.S. Embassy, began implementing the project «School for Social Workers».
Effective and modern training for a social worker is cost-effective. At the same time, the labor market receives a qualified specialist who can work effectively not only in state social bodies and institutions but also provide private commercial services, such as caring for the elderly in families.
The situation demonstrates that private organizations can train professionals better and more affordably than the state. For comparison, training in a college for a professional bachelor's degree in «Social Work» costs an average of 10,000 to 30,000 hryvnias per year. Private initiatives better prepare workers and provide support. For example, at Women’s Aid International, special psychological groups work for professional social workers, helping them protect themselves from burnout and restore moral strength.
According to Yana Matviychuk, the goal of the new program is to provide a new profession for displaced persons who aspire to work in the field of social support. One hundred willing students are involved in the training. The lecture course allows participants to acquire basic knowledge for communication and work with people with disabilities, those affected by war, and the elderly. Thereafter, the school offers students job placement options.
Specifically, during lectures, future social workers study the basics of professional activities and ethical principles. They also acquire specific knowledge, such as:
«This is just the beginning because the number of people in need of support and assistance increases due to the war. In the future, we plan to expand the ««School for Social Workers» project. Our goal is to improve the field of social support in Ukraine, emphasizes Yana Matviychuk.
Sign in with your Facebook account or email.