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The mission of the social worker is to  give priority to the needs of others  and to strive for social justice.

'Our long-term goal is to create a better and more equitable environment for  society - a more caring and loving city to live in,' says Lilian Law Suk-kwan, a board member of the Hong Kong Social Workers Association.

There are  more than 10,000 registered social workers in Hong Kong. They are employed by  the Social Welfare Department, 300 plus non-government organisations, and hospitals, schools, clinics and private organisations.

'More business corporations are hiring social workers for their employee assistance schemes to help staff maintain a healthy work life,'  Ms Law says.

In 1988,  the University of Hong Kong produced only seven graduates holding bachelor degrees  in social work. By 1993,  the university  produced a record number - 90.

The profession has been growing steadily partly due to increased  government spending on social welfare.

Moreover, the intensifying  complexity of societal problems such as family violence, child and spouse abuse and juvenile delinquency, as well as a wider gap between rich and poor have called for more professional assistance.

'There is a very strong demand for graduates in the field. If they want a job, they can  easily find more than one,' says Law Chi-kwong,  an associate professor with the  department of social science and social administration at HKU.

Social work is a fairly young profession, with less than than 1  per cent of its members having reached retirement age in the recent years. It started out only in the 1950s.

Most practising social workers acquire their core skills and training from an undergraduate programme.

'In addition, an increasing number of master's graduates are joining us,' says Ms Law.

'Formally trained teachers, nurses, doctors or engineers who have made a determined switch in their life or career goals can  equip themselves with legitimate training.'

There are a  range of career opportunities - which are available along two key paths -  to suit all  attributes.

Clinical work involves  areas such as family therapy, special counselling on mental problems,  and outreach to  marginal youths, among other things.

Then there is administration  and policy  work, which takes in  fund-raising, drafting and promoting policies, and the development of organisations.

'Young professionals will have to identify their interest and choose a path, and then acquire and build their competencies from there onwards,' says Ms Law.

Registered social workers and the  experience they have  is acknowledged in  countries such as Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States,  allowing  scope for further career advancement.

However, unlike other industries, the  profession will not be  able to directly benefit from the vast growth in China.

Says Dr Law: 'The nature of the society is very different. The essence of social work exists only in a capitalist environment.'

'At present, the  profession is underdeveloped in China. With the development of China's market mechanism, the country  might encounter social problems that need dedicated social workers. As a result, there is potential  in the years ahead, but not in the immediate future.'

Ms Law says that being a social worker  might not be particularly appealing to those wanting a fast-track career in  finance or information technology.

'We might not be the richest people in  society. However, we do earn a decent living for ourselves.'

A social worker needs  to be compassionate and understanding. He or she needs to have a 'heart' and to keep a calm mind.

One common dilemma among social workers  is that they can easily become too involved in  the problems they deal with. They are strongly advised to know when to draw a line between their professional and personal lives.

Dr Law says the demand  for help is enormous.

'You can never satisfy all people's needs. We have to expect such  dilemmas to arise and we must know how to handle them.'

But there are still good things to be found.

Social workers can  benefit directly from the  people they listen to, says Dr Law.

'They would see all the hardship of their clients, how they struggle, how they desperately seek help and, eventually, how beautiful life is.

'No matter how bad and hard a situation is, there is always the potential for change; and in these situations it's our privilege to help.

It's an indescribable experience,' he says.



A meaningful career caring for others in need