"The new era and new journey have set a higher bar for the development of the professional social work workforce," the official said, explaining the rationale behind the policy.

　　The opinions focus on several priorities, including training, recruitment, evaluation, and incentives for social work professionals. Under the plan, China will expand professional training programs and improve the continuing education system for current workers.

　　It will also strengthen university-level social work education and increase the share of practical, hands-on teaching.

　　To address regional imbalances, the government will "actively guide social work professionals to carry out services in rural areas, central and western regions, border areas, and ethnic regions", according to the document.

　　It also calls for integrating social work into the country's "population development support and service system", especially as China faces the dual pressures of an aging population and declining birth rates.

　　The plan identifies schools and medical institutions as pioneering areas for expanding social work services. The document also highlights support for China's rapidly growing gig economy, urging social workers to "proactively provide services to new employment groups".

　　The evaluation system for social workers will be overhauled to emphasize practical performance and service-user satisfaction, the document said.

　　The document suggests that long-serving professionals working at the grassroots level or in hardship areas will be eligible for pay raises. "Social workers who have spent years working at the grassroots level or in remote, tough areas and delivered strong results will get policy support as outlined," the official said.

　　A credibility system will also be introduced, incorporating integrity pledges and penalties for dishonest behavior.