The Austrian Professional Association of Social Work (obds), in collaboration with partners across the profession, has published an updated edition of Soziale Arbeit in Österreich – Identifikationsrahmen für Sozialpädagogik und Sozialarbeit 2026 (Social Work in Austria – Framework for the Professional Identity of Social Pedagogy and Social Work).
The publication represents an important contribution to strengthening the professional identity, shared values and common foundations of social work in Austria. Bringing together the country’s two established traditions of social work and social pedagogy, the framework provides a common understanding of the profession, its principles, qualifications and role in society.
First published in 2022, the original framework was developed through a collaborative process involving more than 50 professionals from social work and social pedagogy, with support from professional organisations and universities of applied sciences.
The revised 2026 edition reflects significant developments in Austria’s professional landscape, including the adoption of the 2024 Act on Professional Titles in Social Work (Sozialarbeits-Bezeichnungsgesetz). It also incorporates newly developed ethical principles and a professional qualifications framework, both aligned with international standards established by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW).
The updated document brings together the previously separate shorter and extended versions into one accessible publication. It includes revised terminology, an updated glossary and references to international professional frameworks.
Strengthening a Shared Professional Identity
At its heart, the framework seeks to articulate what unites social work and social pedagogy as part of a shared profession. It offers guidance not only to practitioners and educators, but also to policymakers, partner organisations, funding bodies and the wider public.
Julia Pollak, Managing Director of the Austrian Professional Association of Social Work (obds), emphasised the importance of this collective achievement:
“This framework brings together the two traditions of social work and social pedagogy and highlights what lies at the heart of our profession. By incorporating recent developments in professional recognition, ethics and qualifications, we aim to strengthen our shared professional identity and provide clear guidance for professional practice in Austria.”
The publication also highlights the importance of collaboration between professional associations, trade unions, educational institutions and practitioners in advancing the recognition and development of social work.
Connecting National Developments with Global Standards
The publication demonstrates how national professional development can be strengthened through engagement with internationally agreed principles and standards.
By aligning the Austrian framework with international ethical and educational standards, the initiative contributes to a shared understanding of social work while recognising the particular historical, legal and institutional contexts in which the profession develops.
Ruth Allen, IFSW Global Vice President and President of IFSW Europe, welcomed the updated framework:
“At a time when our profession is responding to increasingly complex social challenges, a shared understanding of our values, ethical principles and professional responsibilities is more important than ever. This framework demonstrates how professional dialogue and collaboration can strengthen our common foundations while respecting the diversity of traditions and practices that enrich social work across Europe and beyond.”
The framework illustrates the value of collective professional dialogue in strengthening social work’s identity, ethical foundations and capacity to respond to changing societal needs.
The publication is available in German, with an English-language abstract provided on the obds website.
Read the publication: Soziale Arbeit in Österreich – Identifikationsrahmen für Sozialpädagogik und Sozialarbeit 2026