This study of social work services, manpower and education began in 1968 and was continued in 1970 pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 3 (1970).

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Social Work Manpower

1. Recommendation: Our recommendation is that a full-time permanent position be established in the Humap. Resources Planning Section of the Division of State Planning and Community Affairs. The official should be given the responsibility for leadership in recruiting, educating and utilizing social work manpower. (See also recommendation of the Governor's Management Study concerning the Deputy Governor of Human Affairs, pp. 170-71.)

B. Social Work Education

2. Recommendation: The existing educational programs in social work should be encouraged and strengthened.

3. Recommendation: The State Council of Higher Education should formulate a long-rang:e plan for the development of social work education in the State, including the need for a dbctoral program, and provide for continuing evaluation and revision of the plan as needed.

C. Recognition of Professional Education

4. Recommendation: The Division of Personnel and other State agencies employing social workers should recognize that educational attainment and experience should be rewarded and parity in salaries reached with other professional positions with comparable educational requirements. The Division of Personnel and such State agencies should adopt pay differentials for social work employees with varying levels of education.

D. State Scholarships

5. Recommendation: The Division of Personnel should review the State policy requiring two months' service commitment for each month State scholarship aid is received and consider lowering the time commitment.

E. Social Work Services

6. Recommendation: The Governor is urged to formulate an overall State plan for the development and delivery of social services consonant with the changing needs of Virginia citizens.

F. Registration of Social Workers

7. Recommendation: The existing laws for the registration of social workers should be amended: (1) by revising the qualifications of Associate Social Workers, (2) by providing for reciprocity, and (3) by adding a privileged communication provision.