Social Work Volunteering in Cambodia

What is the Social Work Volunteering in Cambodia project all about?

Become a Social Work volunteer in Cambodia and use your social work skills to build the capacity of social workers in Siem Reap. We work with a number of NGO’s in the Siem Reap area who employ local Social Workers, many of whom speak excellent English.

The need for social assistance in Cambodia is huge, with many struggling to feed their families every day due to lack of jobs and skills. When things get tough for families, this can often lead to abuse or drug and alcohol addiction. There are many NGO’s in the Siem Reap area that aim to provide creative solutions for these families and to help them get back on their feet. Experienced Social Workers are greatly needed to help local staff improve the skills they already have so that they can keep on top of their Case Management.

In Cambodia there is an increasing need for Social Workers and issues are more widely discussed. Subjects such as parenting, sexual behaviour / experiences, healthy relationships to violence can be dealt with by local social workers. Our projects are in need of access to fully trained social workers, with up to date knowledge and skills to protect and educate the communities in and around Siem Reap.

Why choose this Social Work Volunteering project?

Social workers in Cambodia are very scarce and there is a real need to provide support and training to these dedicated professionals. It can be very difficult for professionals to access training, not only because of the costs but also because they are so overworked. By helping to train the local staff, you are giving them the tools that they need to become more efficient than they are now. They will be able to continue using these new skills long after you have left so the difference that you will be making is extremely valuable and long-lasting.

Role of the Social Work Volunteer

As a volunteer there are a number of NGO’s that need your support. The work that you do will depend on your skills and experience. For the most part, you will have limited direct contact with the community, rather you will be working with the local staff to improve their skills to enable them to be more effective in their endeavours.

You may observe local Social Worker lead workshops which you have helped to create. You may then be asked to make suggestions about how the teaching methods can be changed to get the message across in the most effective manner as well as commenting on content. You may attend home visits in an observational capacity so that you can see the challenge facing local staff.

What skills do I need to be a Social Work Volunteer in Cambodia?

For this important project, we ask that volunteers are fully graduated in Social Work or any other related degree and also at least 2 years of experience working within the Social Work field. Since the role of volunteers is to help build the capacity of the local Social Workers, you must feel confident in the role of trainer and be sensitive to any cultural differences.

If you are interested in joining one of our Social Work placements, please send your CV/resume to one of our advisors and we will look into the best options for you to match your skills and interests. Because we work with a number of different placements in the area, we like to conduct telephone interviews with volunteers to establish their skills and what they are looking for. That way we can make sure you are placed in the most appropriate placement for you. A letter of motivation, medical certificate and 2 references from a former teacher or employer are also required.

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