<P> Most historians identify the Charity Organization Society, founded by Helen Bosanquet and Octavia Hill in London in 1869, as the pioneering organization of the social theory that led to the emergence of social work as a professional occupation . COS had its main focus on individual casework . It supported the concept of self - help and limited government intervention to deal with the effects of poverty . The organisation claimed to use "scientific principles to root out scroungers and target relief where it was most needed". </P> <P> Alsager Hay Hill was prominent from its foundation, acting as honorary secretary of the council until July 1870, and as an active member of the council until 1880 . Hill also worked as an almoner to the Society for the Relief of Distress in the East of London . He campaigned about the many flaws in the poor laws and urged for a more scientific classification of paupers . His 1867 pamphlet, on Our Unemployed, was one of the earliest attempts to highlight the problem of systemic unemployment; he suggested a national system of labour registration . In 1871, Hill pioneered a system of labour exchanges in England, establishing' The Employment Inquiry Office and Labour Registry,' . There, Hill advised applicants for assistance, and founded and edited Labour News to improve communication between masters and men seeking work . </P> <P> Octavia Hill is regarded by many as the founder of modern social work . She was a moving force behind the development of social housing, and her early friendship with John Ruskin enabled her to put her theories into practice with the aid of his initial investment . She believed in self - reliance, and made it a key part of her housing system that she and her assistants knew their tenants personally and encouraged them to better themselves . She was opposed to municipal provision of housing, believing it to be bureaucratic and impersonal . Under her guidance, the Charity Organisation Society organised charitable grants and pioneered a home - visiting service that formed the basis for modern social work . </P> <P> She also provided housing for the poor; after being improved her properties were let to those on intermittent and low incomes . At the heart of the Octavia Hill system was the weekly visit to collect rent . From the outset, Hill conceived this as a job for women only . She and her assistants, including Emma Cons combined the weekly rent collection with checking every detail of the premises and getting to know the tenants personally, acting as early social workers . At first Hill believed, "Voluntary workers are a necessity . They are better than paid workers, and can be had in sufficient numbers ." Later, she found it expedient to maintain a paid workforce . </P>

Who is considered to be the founder of modern day schools of social work