Johanna Hefel did pioneering work for Social Work

In future, only those with a relevant academic qualification will be allowed to call themselves "Social Work" or "Social Pedagogy". Violations can be fined up to 15,000 euros. Dr. Johanna Hefel, Professor of Social Work at the FHV and President of the Austrian Society for Social Work, played a leading role in this year-long process for the legal professional title and did pioneering work. "This is a milestone that guarantees quality assurance," she emphasizes. Her next goal is a comprehensive professional law.   

Activity often underestimated

Social Minister Johannes Rauch, himself a former Social Work graduate, opened the doors for this important step. Other initiators were the Austrian Professional Association of Social Work, programme directors and representatives of the Vienna Chamber of Labour. Social Work is a profession in short supply in Austria. The profession is often underestimated. "The protection of the professional title represents quality assurance for people who need social support, for Social Workers and for employers. People already working in social work who do not meet the requirements must undergo further training if they want to use the title of social worker/social pedagogue. Professional social work requires specialist knowledge and skills, adequate pay and sufficient study places," explains Hefel.  

Commitment to academization

Hefel has been committed to academization since the Social Work degree was transferred to the FHV in 2002. She founded the Austrian Society for Social Work (OGSA) twelve years ago and has been its first female president since 2019. Hefel's personal commitment is reflected in her dedication to the perception of Social Work. She is also concerned with recognition for her colleagues, as Social Work often raises unpleasant issues. "Social Work is a profession that strives to enable people to live a dignified life beyond exclusion criteria such as gender, race, etc. We never just look at behavior. We never just look at behavior, but always at the circumstances. That is the specific nature of our work," she concludes.