Zawody pomocowe – w drodze ku profesjonalizacji i budowaniu wspólnej tożsamości zawodowej

This article joins the debate regarding social work as social practice and theoretical reflection, focusing on issues of the relations between social work and social workers with other occupations and professions. Its authors tackle the subject of professionalisation and institutionalisation of helping occupations in Poland from a sociological perspective. By referring to the findings of their own research as well as source literature, they seek answers to the question as to whether it is possible to build a common occupational identity for the different occupational groups comprising the so-called helping professions. The authors believe that social work as a helping occupation and profession in Poland is in the preliminary phase of acquiring the position of an autonomous profession. The occupational competencies of social workers, their status, and their occupational practice do not form a coherent image of the occupation/ profession, and are not attractive to other specialists involved in providing help. The authors fundamental conclusion is their assertion that the process of mutual positioning and building up a common identity among representatives of the helping professions could relate to the normative aspect of the profession and its ethical principles, as well the concepts of work ethics and the ethics of care. Professionalism built around common ethical principles, and relating to work ethics and the ethics of care could link the helping professions. Common and agreed-upon principles in helping among representatives of the different helping occupations/professions are: responsibility, involvement in one s work, and applying competencies. Keywords: professionalisation process, helping occupations, professions, social services, work ethics, ethics of care