On November 3–4, 2026, Gemma Baghdasaryan, Vice-Rector of Urartu University of Practical Psychology and Sociology and Head of the Department of Social Work, PhD in Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor, together with department lecturers Armine Andranikyan, PhD in Philology, Astghik Minasyan, and Ani Sahakyan, participated in the conference entitled “Professionalization of the Social Services Workforce in Armenia: Professional Education, Continuing Development and Supervision.”

During the panel discussion, Gemma Baghdasaryan presented opportunities for further education for social workers, emphasizing the importance of an individualized approach based on professional competencies, the university’s new educational programmes, and modern approaches to assessing needs for social services.

She also proposed discussing the establishment of a systematic mechanism for cooperation with employers to identify the demand for specialists in the social sector and align educational programmes with labour market needs. The university’s experience in collaborating with employers was also presented.

Armine Andranikyan provided a detailed overview of the professional areas of supervision, the current situation in the field, and the activities undertaken by the Unified Social Service in this regard. She addressed key issues related to the training of supervision specialists and the practical implementation of supervision, responding to questions raised during the discussion.

Astghik Minasyan actively contributed to the discussion by raising important questions and supporting proposals aimed at advancing the sector and strengthening professional cooperation.

The university values active participation in professional forums, strengthening the link between education and practice, and the continued development of social work. These efforts will contribute to the practical implementation of the provisions enshrined in the RA Law “On Social Assistance” and help ensure the professional quality of social work specialists.