Low pay in social services is core issue

In Singapore’s competitive job market, the wages of professionals in social services pale in comparison with those of their foreign counterparts, and one reason is volunteer workers (Slew of initiatives to attract, retain talent in social service sector; April 13).

From an economic standpoint, a high volunteer-to-professional ratio creates market distortions by increasing the supply of services offered without tweaking the demand. This shifts the supply curve to the right, establishing a lower wage equilibrium.

That said, should there be any limitation on voluntary manpower?

Social services employees commonly cite passion, and not cash, as the driving force behind their contributions. Passion alone, however, cannot account for quality of service.

Unattractive salaries may lead to a fewer than optimal number of students in social sciences such as psychology. Alternatively, a brain drain might occur.

The Social Service Institute’s salary guideline for a principal psychologist is S$7,300. The equivalent is higher in places such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Hong Kong.

Living standards aside, this also pales in comparison with a profession in a similar field in Singapore: A general practitioner.

For the time and cost required to pursue a master’s degree in psychology, the compensation may not seem nearly enough for it to be worthwhile.

With voluntary positions readily available, interested parties can contribute to social services without the hassle of studying for the degree; therein passion can triumph over money after all.

As our society has grown rapidly, the stresses associated with coping with the current times have led to the services that psychologists offer being an indispensable good. The service quality should also be top-notch, as mistakes would have consequences.