In order to improve the standards and ensure accountability in social work, the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW), has made it mandatory for social workers to get licensed in their profession.

The decision is likely to mend the accountability variations between social workers and other leading professionals, including doctors and engineers.

The governing body will help ensure that social workers do not violate the codes and conducts of the profession.

In her dialogue at the SASW's 40th Anniversary Symposium yesterday, Dr Kalyani Mehta, who heads the SASW, said that licensing will assist the profession to achieve increased public recognition, which will help in recruitment of new workers,.

As of now, social workers are only encouraged to get accredited in their profession, but soon it will become compulsory.

In addition, the SASW is also mulling a website for social workers to share their knowledge and experience. With the increasing demand for social workers, there is a need for nearly 60 social workers each year for the next five years.

At present, there are nearly 761 accredited social workers in Singapore, who have university degrees in social work, and 234 social-service practitioners.

Social work in Singapore is an evenly poised profession, in which young graduates can earn between S$2,550 and S$2,750, according to revised pay structure, while those with an experience of over five years can earn between S$3,100 and S$4,900.