Voluntary social work jobs with Projects Abroad Pro

Voluntary social work jobs

We are looking for recent graduates, retired seniors or social workers on a career break to take part in voluntary social work jobs with Projects Abroad Pro. In order to ensure high standards we have listed a set of desired qualifications for each available post. Ideally, anyone interested in volunteer social care would also possess at least two years’ experience of practicing social work professionally.

Projects Abroad Pro work with various orphanages, care centres and community projects throughout the developing world who all aim to improve the lives of poor or neglected people. Every country in the world has underprivileged sections of society but in the developing world we frequently see statistics such as 40% of a population living below the poverty line or a country with over one million orphans. These people are not lazy or self-pitying, they simply need help and care from experienced professionals so that they can get themselves out of poverty and have a chance at a brighter future. In addition, there are countless victims of diseases such as HIV/AIDS who need proper care and attention so that they can seek treatment and hopefully manage their symptoms. This is where volunteers with a skill of qualification can really make a difference by taking their knowledge and experience of the high standards of social care in western countries and applying them to the developing world. Unsurprisingly, many of these centres and orphanages lack the money to pay qualified staff or to provide adequate facilities. You can make a difference by working to raise funds and improve the care standards provided by these institutions.

Volunteer social care

We see our projects as being a two-way process where you will gain just as much from the experience of volunteer social care as the people you are helping. It is a fact that as an experienced, qualified professional you will meet less experienced individuals who need you help and guidance to improve their standards. This process in itself can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding – it is the best way of ensuring that the work you do will be continued in the long-term. On the other hand, you are sure to meet experienced professionals in your industry who share your attitude, commitment and knowledge and are keen to offer advice for coping with the frustrations of the developing world. These people will want to discuss new ideas and share their expertise as well as looking for every opportunity to work with you to develop plans for the future. It is this peer to peer contact that makes our projects so special and ensures that your experience will be both professionally and personally fulfilling.

"The Hogar is home to about 50 girls of varying ages, with about a third of the girls suffering from mental handicap. The majority were between the ages of 7 and 10 who are taken into care for a variety of reasons - such as abandonment, domestic abuse or due to the death of a parent. I will be honest and say that work at the orphanage was tough - the children were brilliant and you couldn't help falling in love with them - however bureaucracy and the attitude of the local staff could be very frustrating. It was often very emotionally challenging working with the children who could one moment be testing your patience and then the next moment breaking your heart. But it was also a lot of fun too!"
Katy Fraser – Social Work volunteer in Bolivia

Skilled volunteers and our voluntary social development work

There are numerous examples of voluntary social development work on offer for skilled volunteers and you can access detailed descriptions of each post by clicking on the links at the top of the page. You can work in care centres and orphanages in Ghana, Bolivia, Argentina, Jamaica, Romania, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on the same projects. Please visit our website for more information about voluntary social care with Projects Abroad.