Law Summary
Definitions
- Social Work: Profession aiding individuals and communities to adapt and improve coping via professional methods
- Registered Social Worker: Degree holder who passed licensure exam
- Public Social Worker: Registered social worker in government service
- Other agencies and commissions such as CSC, DSWD, DOLE, DILG, NLRC, PRC defined for reference
Coverage
- Applies to all registered social workers employed by the Philippine government
Recruitment and Qualifications
- Hiring based on merit and fitness
- Priority to registered social workers for social work posts
- Registered social workers to head social work agencies, except cabinet/non-career posts
Career Development and Promotion
- Social Work Management and Consultative Council created
- Standardized career and personnel development plans
- Inclusion of merit promotion, performance evaluation, training grants, job rotation, incentives
Council Composition
- Representatives from DSWD, CSC, DILG, DOLE, social work organizations, local government leagues
- DSWD Secretary heads the Council
Job Classification
- Council to establish a career ladder and job classification system
- All social work positions to carry "Social Worker" title
Code of Conduct
- Public social workers must follow the Social Work Code of Ethics approved by PRC
Working Hours
- Normal work limited to 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
- "On Call" pay at 50% of regular wage when available but not actively working
- On Call status limited to 7 days/month
- Public social workers may teach or practice professionally outside office hours
Overtime
- Permitted when necessary including weekends and holidays
- Additional compensation in accordance with existing laws
Salary and Compensation
- Salaries follow existing government salary scales
- Workers may file complaints at CSC or NLRC for violations
Leave Benefits
- Eligible for usual leave privileges (maternity, paternity, sick, vacation)
- Accumulated leave remains paid upon separation
Retirement Benefits
- One salary grade increase upon retirement
- Retirement computed based on highest salary received
Additional Benefits
- Hazard Allowance: 20% of basic salary for dangerous or challenging assignments
- Subsistence and transportation allowances during fieldwork or community service
- Housing or housing allowance for transfers beyond 50 km radius
- Longevity pay: 5% of latest monthly salary for every 5 years continuous service
- Annual clothing allowance starting at P1,500
Injury Compensation
- Coverage for work-related injuries under Labor Code and Civil Service Law
- Overtime injuries presumed work-connected
Rights of Public Social Workers
- Discrimination protection
- Protection against harassment, intimidation, arbitrary actions
- Right to join or organize unions
- Freedom to apply professional interventions
- Access to continuing professional development
Reassignment Protocols
- Written notice 30 days before transfer except for public service interest
- Right to appeal unjust transfer to CSC
- Compliance with Election Code for reassignments during elections
- Transfer expenses covered by agency
Provisions for Married Public Social Workers
- Efforts to assign married couples in same municipality but different offices
- Exemption for existing same-office assignments before law effect
Prohibition against Interference and Coercion
- Illegal to intimidate or force release of confidential documents except with client consent or court order
- Protection from interference in professional duties
- Protection from harassment related to union membership or social advocacy
Human Resource Development
- DSWD to conduct periodic studies on work conditions, staffing, professional growth opportunities
- Focus on upgrading work conditions, salaries, classification, and funding for professional activities
Security of Tenure
- Permanent social workers may only be dismissed for just cause
- Unjust dismissal remedies include reinstatement with backwages plus 12% interest
Rule-Making Authority
- Council to formulate implementing rules within six months after enactment
Penal Provisions
- Penalties for willful interference or violation: fines P20,000 to P40,000 or up to 1 year imprisonment
- Public officials may also be disqualified from office
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the law
- Supersedes inconsistent laws, regulations, and ordinances
Effectivity
- Law takes effect 15 days after publication in two general circulation newspapers