Thank you all that made this happen, in particular our WV Chapter of
NASW!

>>> <[log in to unmask]> 4/4/2007 2:11 PM >>>
Dear NASW Members,

One comment we always here from our membership, is the need to raise
social 
work salaries.  THANK YOU to all who sent emails, made phone calls,
wrote 
letters, etc. regarding salary increases for social workers.  WE DID
IT!  The 
Governor has been very committed to this and wanted to raise the bar
for social 
workers.  He made this happen.  If you would like to thank him, you can
leave a 
message for him at 1- 888 435-2731 or email him at [log in to unmask] 


Governor Manchin has made numerous comments, both in public and in
private 
meetings,  about the value of social workers and how our profession is
severely 
under-paid.  We thank him for all his efforts in elevating the social
work 
profession!

We have spoken with DHHR and with members of the Administration about
the 
impact on the private sector.  We are hopeful we are making headway,
however this 
is something that cannot be legislated.  That is why it makes it
difficult to 
"lobby" as there are no specific bills, committee discussions or votes

regarding salaries/funding for social workers in the private sector. 
However we 
will continue to advocate for social workers in the private sector, as
well as 
the public sector so ALL SOCIAL WORKERS will benefit from salary
increases.

The classifications that will receive the salary increase are as
follows:

Soc Service Workers I, II and III
SSW Supervisors
CPS workers and trainees
CPS supervisors
Adult Protective workers, supervisors and trainees
Economic Service Workers
Family Support Workers

Following is a press release that was distributed to papers throughout
the 
state:


Contact:  National Association of Social Workers West Virginia Chapter
Samuel A. Hickman  304-345-6279  [log in to unmask] 
Susan Sobkoviak  303-465-3027  [log in to unmask] 
 
State Social Workers Can Expect Pay Increase 
 
Charleston—Salaries for state-employed social workers in West
Virginia rank 
at the bottom of the scale - 49th or 50th nationally.  That is, until
now.  
 Recent action taken by Governor Joe Manchin, III at the urging of
leaders of the 
West Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
will 
result in a $2,000 pay increase this year to state social workers. 

 “Recognizing the crucial role social workers have in protecting the
lives of 
West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens, the Governor’s actions
will help 
the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources recruit and
retain 
the most qualified individuals,” said Dr. Elizabeth Randall,
president of the 
West Virginia Chapter of NASW.  Social workers commonly intervene 
professionally when individuals and families are in the midst of a
crisis.  “Our knowledge 
of human behavior, family systems and available resources is essential
to 
helping people return to optimal functioning in society as quickly as
possible.  
Advocacy to improve programs and policies is also at the heart of our 
profession,” said Randall. 

Public sector social workers perform many tasks, including child and
adult 
protective services, adoptions, youth services, case management,
program 
management and supervision, and improving the skills of people on
public assistance 
to they can become self-sufficient.  Social workers often find
themselves in 
the middle of adversarial, unsafe situations in the course of their
work to 
protect children and vulnerable adults.  The work is very demanding,
and the 
decisions they must make are literally often a matter of life or death.
 

 “Social workers have college degrees and a unique set of
professional 
skills.  Many have earned the master of social work degree; not because
they would 
get paid more, but because they recognize that it improves their
effectiveness,”
 said Sam Hickman, ACSW, executive director of the West Virginia
Chapter of 
NASW.  “This altruism - a hallmark of our profession - often means we
do more 
for others and don’t look out for ourselves.  That’s why we
especially 
appreciate Governor Manchin’s action on the important issue of
salaries.  How else 
can we expect to attract the best and brightest into public service of
this 
importance?” Said Hickman.   

“We are so appreciative of Governor Manchin's recognition of the
skills and 
commitment of social workers, and his actions to compensate these
dedicated 
workers, whose salaries were ranked among the lowest in the nation,”
said Dr. 
Randall.  

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), based in Washington,
DC, 
is the largest membership organization of professional social workers
with 
150,000 members.  The West Virginia Chapter has 700 members statewide. 
The 
association promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work
and social 
workers.  NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals,
families 
and communities through its work and through its advocacy.


Thank you!

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
THE POWER OF SOCIAL WORK!

Membership dues support the work that we do.  Thank you!  Your
involvement is 
very important to us.  If your membership is about to expire, you can
renew 
online and continue receiving the benefits of NASW membership by
visiting:  
naswwv.org.

Susan Sobkoviak
Government Relations Director
WV- National Association of Social Workers
Website: www.NASWWV.org 
345-6279
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The voice of West Virginia Social Work -- putting your membership dues
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