China has unveiled a high-level policy document aimed at expanding the role of professional social workers in addressing complex social issues — ranging from bridging the urban-rural divide and managing demographic challenges to providing employment support for gig workers.

　　The document, titled "Opinions on Promoting the Construction of the Social Work Professional Personnel Team", was jointly issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

　　Dated March 1 and made public over the weekend, it described professional social workers as key to connecting with and serving the people, as well as in safeguarding and improving their livelihoods.

　　To bolster talent supply, the document outlines plans to establish professional standards for social workers in key areas, including community and rural governance, elderly care, child welfare, employment services, and support for gig economy workers.

　　It has set a goal to make the structure and distribution of social workers more rational within five years, sharply increase the number of high-level professionals, and steadily expand the number of specialized positions.

　　Under the document, governments at various levels will be encouraged to develop new service models to generate more jobs in the sector, positioning social work as a growing field for employment.

　　Authorities will also encourage businesses to create social work positions and support public-funded agencies in hiring social workers. In a Q&A session published on Saturday, a senior official from the Society Work Department of CPC Central Committee described the document as a significant step in supporting the long-term development of the social work sector and professionalizing public service and social governance.