The State would diversify types of social work services and encourage organizations and individuals to found not-for-profit private social work establishments.
It is highlighted in a draft decree on social work released by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.
Under the draft, social work service establishments include social work service establishments in the field of social welfare; centers providing social work services at medical establishments; centers providing social work services at education and training institutions; and social work service establishments operating in other fields.
Heads of social work service establishments must have full civil act capacity and good moral qualities, be neither involved in social vices nor prosecuted for penal liability or convicted but not yet expunged. From 2025, heads of social work service establishments must possess a social work practice certificate. From 2030, such a certificate would be required for all social workers.
To be granted a practice certificate, a social worker must possess a professional degree related to social work granted or recognized in Vietnam, has provided social work services at a social work service establishment for at least 18 consecutive months, and passed the examination organized by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.
Particularly for foreigners wishing to work as social workers in Vietnam, in addition to meet the conditions for grant of a practice certificate like their Vietnamese colleagues, they must also meet language requirements, have criminal records certified by authorities of their home countries and work permits granted by Vietnamese labor agencies. Those who possess social work practice certificates granted by foreign authorities would not be required to take the examination for grant of certificates in Vietnam.- (VLLF)
