Volunteer Social Workers needed in Jamaica

Volunteer social worker in Jamaica

This volunteer social work project helps children and families in conjunction with the Child Development Agency (CDA).

The CDA is a government agency that works with foster homes and local families. Their aim is to help children in the care of the State.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer social workers help in Jamaica?

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 Jamaica?

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

• Helping CDA staff investigate potential cases of neglect or child abuse through home visits.
• Assisting with family counseling sessions.
• Identifying solutions for children’s safety and wellbeing. This will include monitoring their success.
• Helping to organise foster care for at-risk children.
• Running workshops with volunteers working on other social work projects (optional).

This is only a general outline of the work that a social worker can perform. Given the size of the CDA there are also opportunities for people with a background in clinical psychology or speech therapy.

The CDA is also involved with adoption cases. There may be opportunities for volunteers to prepare case work and visit court hearings.

You will be expected to work Monday to Friday for around 8 hours per day. You will be asked to provide detailed information about your experience at least 6 weeks before you arrive. Staff in Jamaica will use this to allocate you the most suitable work.

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?

You will gain experience of the child protection and adoption process in Jamaica. You will work closely with experienced social workers. You will be able to learn from them and also share your own knowledge. You will be working in a pressurised environment and this will test your abilities.

You will spend time in local communities, learning about a new culture and way of life. Staff, children and families 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?

Volunteer social worker in Jamaica

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

• Safe accommodation with a Jamaican 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 reggae dance classes.

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.