Declaration of Policy
- State policy to promote and improve social and economic well-being of public social workers.
- Focus on enhancing skills and capabilities for effective social service delivery.
- Encourage qualified professionals to remain in government social development work.
Definition of Terms
- Social Work: Profession aiding individuals, families, groups, and communities to cope with environmental demands.
- Registered Social Worker: Holder of a Social Work degree who passed the licensure exam.
- Public Social Worker: Registered social worker employed by the government.
- Public Social Welfare and Development Worker: Employed in government social welfare agencies.
- Various government agencies and commissions abbreviated (CSC, DSWD, DOLE, DILG, NLRC, PRC).
Coverage
- Applies to all registered social workers employed in government service.
Recruitment and Qualifications
- Appointment based on merit and fitness.
- All government social work agencies must be headed by registered social workers except cabinet/non-career positions.
- Priority to registered social workers for social work positions.
Merit Promotion and Career System
- Establishment of Social Work Management and Consultative Council.
- Develop uniform career and personnel development plans including merit promotion, job rotation, incentives, and social security policies.
Composition of the Council
- Includes representatives from DSWD, CSC, DILG, DOLE, professional social work organizations, and local government leagues.
- Secretary of DSWD as head.
Classification of Social Work Personnel
- Council to develop a career ladder and classification system with all positions titled as Social Worker.
Code of Conduct
- Public social workers to adhere to the Social Work Code of Ethics approved by the PRC within six months.
Normal Hours of Work
- Maximum eight hours per day or forty hours per week.
- 'On Call' status recognized with fifty percent additional pay; limited to seven days per month.
- Flexibility for teaching or practicing profession after office hours.
Overtime Work
- Allowed when service requires, including weekends and holidays.
- Additional compensation as per existing laws.
Compensation
- Salaries follow existing government employee salary scales.
- Complaints for violations to be filed with CSC or NLRC via the Council.
Leave Benefits
- Entitled to standard leave benefits (maternity, paternity, vacation, sick leave).
- Accumulated leave credits with pay upon separation.
Highest Basic Salary Upon Retirement
- Retirement benefits computed based on one salary grade higher than basic salary at retirement.
Other Benefits
- Hazard Allowance (20% extra pay) for work in hazardous or remote areas.
- Subsistence/Transportation Allowance for fieldwork and out-of-station assignments.
- Housing or housing allowance for transfers involving relocation.
- Longevity Pay of 5% basic pay every five years.
- Clothing Allowance minimum P1,500 annually.
Compensation From Injuries
- Protection under Labor Code and Civil Service Law for work-related injuries, including overtime.
Rights of Public Social Workers
- Protection against discrimination.
- Protection from interference, intimidation, or harassment.
- Right to join organizations or unions.
- Protection to apply professional interventions.
- Opportunities for professional growth.
Reassignment
- Written notice 30 days prior except for public interest.
- Right to appeal unjustified reassignments to CSC.
- Compliance with Election Code for election period transfers.
- Transfer expenses borne by agency.
Married Public Social Workers
- Authority encouraged to assign married couples in the same municipality but not same office unless previously assigned.
Freedom from Interference or Coercion
- Prohibits intimidation to obtain confidential documents without proper consent or court order.
- Prohibits preventing social workers from applying social work principles.
- Prohibits harassment related to union membership or professional actions.
- Prohibits harassment or punitive measures when advocating for social justice.
Human Resource Development
- Periodic studies by DSWD on facilities, growth opportunities, democratic consultations, staffing, salary, and funding for training.
Security of Tenure
- Permanent public social workers can only be terminated for cause.
- Wrongful dismissal rights include reinstatement with back pay and 12% interest.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Council to formulate rules within six months, consulting Senate and House committees.
Penal Provision
- Penalties for interference or coercion include fines P20,000 to P40,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both.
- Additional penalty for public officials includes disqualification from office.
Separability Clause
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect the remainder of the law.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws, ordinances, rules, and parts are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.