Social service salary guidelines raised by 5% on average, some up to 15%
The updated benchmarks are aimed at helping social service agencies attract and retain staff, say the Ministry of Social and Family Development and National Council of Social Service.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) building at Thompson Road. (File photo: TODAY/Ili Nadhirah Mansor)
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Singapore: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on Wednesday (Apr 1) published its updated salary guidelines for the social service sector, aimed at supporting social service agencies in attracting and retaining manpower and ensuring that salaries remain competitive.
Under the new recommendations, social service workers will see an average salary increase of 5 per cent, with some roles seeing higher increments of up to 15 per cent.
The updated guidelines take effect immediately and apply to all social service job roles, including management and executive positions.
For example, recommended salaries for care staff and senior care staff are S$3,440 (US$2,680) and S$4,470 respectively - a 13 per cent and 15 per cent increase from the previous guidelines.
"Social Service Agencies are encouraged to adjust their pay packages within the year so that their employees are paid according to the guidelines," said the ministry in a press release.
"Since FY2023, MSF has set aside over S$170 million to support SSAs running MSF-funded services to implement salary adjustments," it added.
MSF, together with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), has also rolled out several initiatives to attract fresh entrants to the sector and to retain and develop social service workers.
From Apr 1 onwards, tuition sponsorship under the Professional Development Sponsorship has increased to 100 per cent coverage, from 75 per cent.
The Social Service Tribe Study Award, which previously supported individuals to acquire full professional qualifications, has been expanded to support individuals aspiring to join the sector who are pursuing associate-level qualifications.
Funding for the Foundational Leadership grants will also be extended beyond middle managers to cover first-time and senior leaders in SSAs.
"This will enable all leaders to receive funding support for courses under NCSS's refreshed series of Leadership Milestone Programmes," MSF said.
