Increase in Salaries for Social Workers Assisting Individuals with Intellectual and Mental Health Issues

Starting from January 1, 2020, the minimum salary for those providing specialized care or social rehabilitation services for individuals with intellectual and mental health issues (including autism) will increase by 30%.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia's Public Relations Department reports that this concerns social workers, social educators, caregivers, methodologist coordinators, ergotherapists, group leaders (according to specialization), special educators (including speech therapists, tiflopedagogists, and surdop educators), psychologists (including special psychologists and behavioral therapists), attendants, nannies, psychiatrists, nurses, and specialists in adaptive physical culture and occupational therapy working in organizations delivering services as mandated by the ministry.

In developing this project, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs took into account the shortage of services and professionals available for individuals with intellectual and mental health issues, as well as the specific characteristics related to the work being done. It has also been emphasized that the lack of sufficient salaries could jeopardize the availability of these services, thus affecting the provision of necessary conditions for individuals with disabilities to live in the community.