The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County has proven to be an attractive employer for student welfare psychologists

At the start of 2023, a total of 69 full-time psychologists transitioned to the Wellbeing Services County from local municipalities and other educational providers. However, the new statutory requirements introduced in August 2023 would have mandated a minimum of 114 psychologists, indicating a 39% shortfall. When the Wellbeing Services County started, over 100 educational institutions were without their own psychologist services.

The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County encompasses 15 vocational schools, 25 general upper secondary schools, 176 primary schools, and 244 pre-school units. As a result of the 2023 changes to the Student Welfare Act quotas, the number of school social workers increased by 13 and the number of school nurses by 5. Since all student welfare staff are now part of the same organisation, multi-professional collaboration among them has strengthened.

“We've put considerable effort into addressing the psychologist shortage in the Wellbeing Services County. With the addition of 24 psychologist, we've surpassed the numbers previously employed by educational providers.  We’ve managed to hire both newly graduated and seasoned psychologists. It’s especially gratifying to see many psychologists who once worked in this region returning to join our team,” says Jonna Kari, head of the psychologist unit.

In 2023, the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County managed to strengthen the implementation of statutory deadlines for students’ access to psychologist services. For schools yet to hire their own psychologist, we have introduced a centralised psychologist service.

“The centralised service enables students to consult with a psychologist. When needed, we also arrange brief assessment and support periods. Additionally, we offer consultation for educational staff and host a weekly Q&A session,” explains Susanna Nuotio, the chief psychologist of the centralised service.

“In my view, our approach to student welfare psychology is moving in the right direction. I also knew that I would enjoy being part of this fun team! As student welfare psychologists, we face a wide range of situations that often require collaboration with families, teachers, and other student welfare professionals. In school environments, the psychologist’s job goes far beyond individual, one-on-one sessions. We also have a consultative role—an important part of our work involves offering our expertise to educational institutions. This makes work more meaningful and diverse. In my current role within the centralised services, I’m able to leverage my broad experience in student welfare to assist multiple educational institutions,” shares Mervi Hauru, a psychologist who rejoined the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.

The launch of the Wellbeing Services County introduced several technological and operational challenges in student welfare, which we overcame through collaboration with educational providers.

“Last year’s problems in student welfare were addressed either by making investments or through close collaboration with education providers. Such collaboration is absolutely essential. We are making progress towards our goal of providing psychologist services locally at every educational institution, in line with the required quotas,” states Tuija Harakka, service line director. She emphasizes the shared commitment between the Wellbeing Services County and education providers to enhance the wellbeing of children and young people, a goal towards which student welfare professionals significantly contribute.