Jamaica to Expand Social Work Force with 200 Additional Practitioners

Kingston, Jamaica – The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is set to strengthen its social work capacity with the recruitment of 200 additional practitioners across its parish offices. This expansion will nearly double the existing workforce of social workers currently engaged at the Ministry’s offices and headquarters in Kingston.

Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. made the announcement during the One Step Forward Consultancy (OSFC) International Social Work Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Tuesday. The conference, themed ‘Transformative Change for a Better Future in Social Work,’ highlighted the growing need for social workers across the country.

“In my Ministry, I wish I could triple the amount of social workers that I have,” Charles Jr. stated. “Matter of fact, we have now designed a new organisational structure, which sees us with a multiplying of the number of social workers and the multiplying of the impact.”

As part of the initiative, the Ministry will also establish satellite offices to facilitate the work of social workers and provide greater accessibility for those in need. Additionally, buses will be procured for two agencies under the Ministry in the 2025/2026 financial year to assist social workers in carrying out their duties.

Charles Jr. also expressed deep appreciation for the work of social workers and urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, and the private sector to support students pursuing careers in social work through scholarships and grants.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the vital role of social workers in strengthening the social fabric of the nation. She invoked the lyrics of the National Anthem, noting that social workers play a critical role in caring for the vulnerable members of society.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Social Transformation and Social Protection, Patricia Duncan-Sutherland, advocated for a family-centred approach in social work. She suggested integrating the services of various social programmes, including the Social Development Commission (SDC), Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), and Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), to provide holistic support for families and drive long-term social change.

The conference also served as a platform for recognising the contributions of social work professionals, with part proceeds going toward their professional development across Jamaica.