Social services

Students learn methods such as individual case assistance, street work or supervision. The management of social institutions is also taught in the course. The theoretical foundations come from the fields of education, psychology, social sciences, business administration, law and administration.

The courses in the field of social work are mainly offered at universities of applied sciences. These include “social work”, “social education and management” and “social management”.

In the bachelor's program, students take modules from educational sciences, pedagogy, sociology, psychology, business, law and administrative sciences, among others. In the in-depth study, specializations are possible, for example in the areas of elementary education, educational assistance, family assistance, youth work, rehabilitation and health, work with the elderly, intercultural social work, adult education, company social work, leisure education, drug help, resocialization, district work or social management.

A mandatory internship is often part of the course.

Employment opportunities for social workers exist with organizations, associations, self-help groups and public bodies, e.g. municipalities, and with a variety of independent bodies such as churches, charities and foundations.

Social workers and social educators work primarily in youth, family, health, elderly and social assistance, in criminal justice, in homes and in residential and self-help groups, in counseling centers, in clinics and rehabilitation centers, and in social psychiatric services Youth and adult education centers as well as in refugee aid.