The paper is devoted to synthesis of experience and results of studying problems and prospects of professionalization of social work in regional conditions. The research was based on an institutional approach which allowed to reveal interrelations between objective and subjective aspects of social work professionalization. The author considers professionalization as a multi-level process including, on the one hand, formation of institutional foundations of social work as a professional activity and acquisition of signs of a profession and, on the other hand, professional development of social workers as subjects of professional activity. The results of the research are intended to demonstrate the problems and contradictions of formation of social work as a profession and specify the reasons of insufficient level of professionalism of social work specialists.