Problems of training of a social worker in the system of lifelong learning

the article focuses on the problems of professional training for social workers with reliance on the continuity principle. On the basis of the author’s personal experience who has been working during a number of years in the system of training staff for social sphere, the problems of training for social workers are viewed both in the system of basic higher institutions format and in the system of additional education. The texts of graduate qualification papers of the students studying at St. Petersburg State Institute of Psychology and Social Work, the proceedings of presentations of social workers and heads of social services at the scientific-practical conferences, working experience in guardian boards of social services and methodological associations served as the foundation for the analysis and generalization. The significance of continuation of basic education for social workers is increasing due to institutionalization of social sphere, differentiation of demands of social service recipients, increasing interest of social workers not only in professional development but also in personal growth and self-realization in the sphere of social aid. The author makes the conclusion about the necessity of creating the concept of connections between basic and additional professional education of social workers in order to perform effectively in the constantly changing situation and show enough flexibility to face diversity and variety of professional challenges.