Social service professionals such as social workers and counsellors work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of people in marginalised segments of society. Beyond rendering support with a personal touch, these professionals also connect individuals in these communities with the services and programmes to give them renewed hope, dignity and confidence.
According to a press release by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), there are some 15,000 professionals in the sector. And with increasingly complex social needs, the council expects more than 1,000 new jobs to be created between now and 2019.
Greater Career Support
To better support the needs of working professionals in the sector, NCSS and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) recently signed a memorandum of understanding. The agreement will see them work together in the areas of recruitment, training and career development for professionals in the social service sector.
e2i plans to organise job matching programmes and provide career guidance services to attract more Singaporeans into the social service sector. They will also support NCSS in the development of new training programmes that will identify and bridge skills gaps.
“With the social service sector set to grow over the next few years, more jobs will be available for Singaporeans who are passionate to work in this sector. Currently in development, the Skills Framework under the Social Service Industry Manpower Plan will offer clear career progression, competencies needed and upgrading opportunities for the workers,” said e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.
Keen on Joining the Social Services?
In the meantime, anyone keen on picking up new skills and knowledge in the social services should give the Social Service Institute (SSI) a look in. A pioneer Continuing Education & Training (CET) centre appointed by SkillsFuture Singapore, SSI offers a range of social service-specific training and qualification that range from bachelor degrees to short certificate programmes.
For a list of the courses available at SSI, click here.