Social employment represents a family of professions at the service of people. To work in this sector, you must have excellent interpersonal skills and specific training. Beyond a job, it is a real vocation. Indeed, its missions aim to support people and promote social cohesion.
Social employment: a multitude of specific professions
By social employment we mean animator, educational and social support, social service assistant for example. A multitude of professions, often grouped under the term social worker, exist in this field. They all have in common an exercise in contact with people.
A facilitator is more particularly in charge of the development and coordination of social and cultural activities of a place. To do this, he must be able to set up and maintain external and internal partnerships. These activities aim to entertain and encourage interaction. He can work, for example, in a nursing home or in an accommodation establishment for dependent elderly people (EPHAD).
An educational and social companion helps disabled or elderly people, children and adults, on a daily basis. He accompanies them at home or within a structure in the gestures of everyday life.
A social service assistant (ASS) supports people facing difficulties. He assesses their situation, advises them and directs them. It allows them to exercise their rights. This profession is exercised in communities as well as in associations or protection organizations. Depending on his specialty, he can work in a service dedicated to housing or even families.
Social employment: regulated professions
Jobs in the social field are regulated. There are specific training courses for each profession and at different levels, from the certificate of professional aptitude (CAP) to the Master’s degree. Thus, to work as a social worker, you must hold a BPJEPS, professional certificate for youth, popular education and sport. This is a state diploma.
In addition, there is a school dedicated to the training of social workers. This is the Regional Institute of Social Work (IRTS). As its name suggests, it exists in several regions of France. These establishments offer initial or continuing training. Since 2020, higher education after the baccalaureate has been accessible by file and interview via the Parcoursup procedure.
Social employment: essential skills and know-how
If the diplomas are necessary to practice in this field, certain behavioral skills are essential. There is indeed a requirement in terms of know-how as well as interpersonal skills. Dynamism, sense of listening, interpersonal skills are among the qualities expected. Patience, empathy, understanding are others. You also have to be able to defend a cause. Finally, you have to know how to take a step back from certain difficult situations.
Discovering jobs in the social field means opening up to different professions. In fact, the sector brings together an impressive range of specializations. While it offers many opportunities, it requires specific training and specific behavioral skills.