Volunteer Social Workers needed in Bolivia

Social Worker

This volunteer social work project helps children and adults in orphanages in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

You can work with orphans who come from abused backgrounds and those with special needs. This can be emotionally straining but you will be providing an important community service.

This project is perfect for professionals considering voluntary work abroad or social workers on a career break.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer social workers help in Bolivia?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer social workers help in Bolivia?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer social worker. You can work on tasks such as:

• Working with children of all ages to make sure that they are bathed, fed and clothed etc.
• Running workshops with local staff on subjects such as:
  • How to deal with illness and disability.
  • New activities to perform with the children.
• Discussing ways of changing or improving working methods at the orphanage.
• Producing assessments of children at orphanages.
• Conducting interviews with relatives or carers to assess and review their situation.

This is only a brief overview of the options available because we work with a large variety of institutions. You might work in an orphanage which treats children and adults aged 8-35 with special needs.

Another option would be an orphanage for young children and teenagers in Cochabamaba. Here you will work with orphans who have suffered deprived and potentially abusive upbringings.

You will be expected to work Monday to Friday for around 4-6 hours per day. This may involve working with more than one institution. You will agree the exact work schedule with your project supervisor on your first day in Bolivia. Your supervisor has over 15 years’ experience of working in special needs care so he will be able to provide help and advice during your project.

This project runs all year and we are completely flexible about dates. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

This voluntary work abroad will allow you to gain experience of working with a variety of children and adults. You will get to see how social work is carried out in the developing world and the challenges that your colleagues face. You will work alongside experienced professionals with whom you can share ideas.

Your time in Bolivia will be spent in local communities, learning about a different culture and way of life. The staff and children will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

Social Worker

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Bolivia is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Bolivian family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekly quiz night.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have at least a Bachelors Degree in Social Work or a related subject then you are perfectly suited for this project.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.