How to become a social worker in spain

Needy segments of the population, one can judge the civilization of a state. From this point of view, Spain is a fairly civilized country, where there is a developed system of public social services, the task of which is to help those who, for various reasons, are in a difficult financial or family situation: lonely elderly and large families, immigrants, drug addicts and etc.

What do social workers do in Spain?

First of all, a social worker must understand the real needs of his wards: find out the reasons that led to the deplorable state of affairs (illness, lack of work, drug addiction, etc.), and evaluate the possibilities of social protection in each case. Then a detailed work plan is drawn up, which can include both psychological and material assistance (various subsidies, assistance in paying for housing, etc.), and recommendations on finding a job or learning a new specialty.

The main tasks of a social worker:

providing full information about the opportunities available to social services to solve problems in a particular case;
providing comprehensive and personalized care;
assistance to low-income people in career guidance and;
psychological support and counseling for families with difficult children and adolescents;
preparation of documents for obtaining material assistance, subsidies, etc.;
help in getting rid of addictions (sociopathy, drug addiction, alcoholism, etc.);
cooperation with various public institutions, charitable organizations and foundations to solve the problems of their wards.

The professional demand for social workers in Spain is high, the specialty is very prestigious. Work in social services is public, and therefore stable and well paid. The approximate monthly salary of a social worker in Spain is 1200 euros “net”.

How to become a social worker in Spain?

Training of social workers is carried out in institutes and courses.

1. Higher university education in the specialty "Social work" (Trabajo Social). Most of the social workers have a special higher education received in one of. The course is designed for 4 years of study, during this time students comprehend a wide variety of disciplines: sociology, psychology, history, pedagogy, anthropology, and also study various types of social work, the system of state insurance and healthcare.

After receiving a university diploma, young professionals can apply for jobs in state social services, training centers, medical institutions, private companies - depending on the specialization received.

According to experts, the top 5 universities in Spain with the best education in social work are (1st), Pontificia de Comillas University of Madrid (2nd), Ramón Llull University of Barcelona (3rd), University of Navarra in Pamplona (4th) and University of Barcelona (5th).

2. Vocational education (Formación Profesional). This is secondary specialized education, the first level of which - Grado medio - can be entered upon reaching the age of 17 and after completing ESO (compulsory secondary education). The course lasts two academic years, and upon successful completion, the degree of "técnico" is awarded (an analogue of Russian schools and colleges). You can get a higher professional education - Grado Superior - after (Bachillerato) and after Grado medio. Typically, the course lasts two academic years, after which you can start working or continue your studies in your chosen specialty at one of the Spanish universities.

In Spain, there are many courses offering professional education in social work. However, not all of them are official certified courses approved by the Ministry of Education, and not all of them give the right to apply for public employment (opisiciones) after graduation.

Here are some solid resources offering official courses (online and offline) in various disciplines related to social work.

Spanish Institute of Social Education (Instituto Español de Formación Social), specializing in the field of social sciences. Courses, of course, are not free, but the unemployed can get a scholarship, installment payment or a good discount. you can see all the courses that this institute offers.
The Euroinnova online platform offers many courses in social work-related disciplines, but not all of them are certified. The portal has information on each of the study programs offered: is it possible to get a government job after this course, what is the equivalent of each of them in university education, etc.
The Logoss company is somewhat different from the two above-mentioned educational platforms in that it offers certified correspondence (rather than online) education in social specialties, which is very convenient for those students who, for various reasons, do not have permanent access to. The student receives by mail all the necessary textbooks, tests and detailed instructions for theoretical and practical classes. Completed assignments and tests can also be sent by mail. Of course, Logoss also has online support: students can ask questions on the forum or directly to teachers by e-mail.

3. Subsidized courses in narrow specializations in social work.

This type of course is intended for employed and unemployed professional social workers who wish to acquire a more specific area of specialization, such as Crimes Against Women. Legal, social and police aspects”; "Prevention and treatment of drug addiction"; "Working with juvenile victims of violence" and many others.

4. Masters and for professional social workers with higher education (Másters y posgrados de Trabajo Social). This education is for the most "advanced" social workers who want to engage in scientific research or climb the career ladder (for example, get a job as the director of a large social or educational center). You can get a master's or doctoral degree in this field at almost any university in the country, as well as at some business schools.

Specialists of the Center for Services for Business and Life in Spain "Spain in Russian" will readily provide you with all the necessary information and assist in choosing an educational institution and paperwork.