To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services and Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann, 565-6990 and Barbie Robinson, 565-7876
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution declaring the month of March 2021 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
End
Executive Summary:
In 1984 the federal government officially designated March as National Professional Social Worker Month. Annually, the Board of Supervisors has designated the month of March as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County. The social work profession is noteworthy for its emphasis on ethics and values, its respect for diversity, its advocacy for social and economic justice, and its rigorous academic, field, and professional training. The Sonoma County Human Services Department (HSD) and Department of Health Services (DHS) employ approximately 200 Social Workers and recognize March as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County to highlight their important work in our community.
Discussion:
The primary mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable. Social workers are on the front lines, developing, advocating for, and delivering social programs that are responsive to human needs such as homelessness, poverty, family crisis, abuse, mental illness, disability, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and many other issues. Social workers are integral to an array of safety net services and help to divert people from needing multiple emergency services. Social workers strengthen communities, expand opportunities for the individuals and families they work with, and work to facilitate humane changes in policies and legislation that will improve lives.
Approximately 200 Social workers are currently employed by the County of Sonoma. Sonoma County social workers have chosen their careers in order to make a significant impact in the lives of children, youth, families, older adults and persons with disabilities. They have specialized skills in family assessment, interviewing, information and resource referral, case management, community outreach, legal and court services, and advocacy. Social workers demonstrate dedication, leadership, and commitment to social change and the well-being of all people 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Throughout the last year, social workers have completed both telehealth visits via phone and internet as well as in-person visits with families, in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, in order to continue providing crucial safety net services to our community during the pandemic. The efforts and dedication of Sonoma County social workers are truly appreciated.
Each March, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has joined with the directors of HSD and DHS to recognize the efforts and dedication of the Sonoma County social workers. The Board of Supervisors values social workers’ contributions and recognizes the exemplary service of the professionally trained social workers who serve within our community.
Prior Board Actions:
Every year the Board of Supervisors has honored social workers by declaring the month of March as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
3-24-20
3-12-19
3-13-18
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None