To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services and Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann 565-5800, Tina Rivera 565-4774
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution declaring the month of March 2023 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
Adopt a Gold Resolution declaring the month of March 2023 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County (Countywide)
Discussion:
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 Human Services Department (HSD) and the Department of Health Services (DHS) employ more than 200 social workers and social worker supervisors, and they take the opportunity in March to recognize social workers and highlight their important work in our community.
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.
More than 200 social workers and social worker supervisors are currently employed by the County of Sonoma, and they have chosen their careers in order to make a significant impact in the lives of older adults, children, youth, families, and persons with disabilities. They have specialized skills in family assessment, interviewing, information and resource referral, care 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. For the last three years, social workers have continued to provide crucial safety net services during the pandemic. They have completed telehealth visits via phone and internet, and continued in-person visits with families to advance the safety and well-being of the people we serve. The efforts and dedication of our social workers is truly appreciated.
Each March, the Board of Supervisors has joined with the directors of HSD and DHS to recognize the efforts and dedication of our social workers. The Board values social workers’ contributions and recognizes the exemplary service of the professionally trained social workers who serve 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.
March 15, 2022
March 16, 2021
March 24, 2020
March 12, 2019
March 13, 2018
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None