Who were The first paid social workers which occurred in the late 1800s?

The first paid social workers emerged in the late 1800s as part of the settlement house movement, particularly in urban areas like Chicago and New York. Pioneers such as Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr established Hull House in Chicago, providing services to immigrants and the impoverished. These early social workers aimed to address social issues through community support, advocacy, and education, laying the foundation for the professionalization of social work. Their efforts marked a significant shift from volunteer-based efforts to a recognized profession dedicated to improving social welfare.