sexta-feira, 19 de outubro de 2012

Portugal: Social Work Association takes position on EU austerity measures


Portugal: Social Work Association takes position on EU austerity measures

The Portuguese Association of Professional Social Service (Associação dos Profissionais de Serviço Social APSS)  reiterates in its latest statement its concern about political reforms and austerity measures of the European Union. The Association, an active member of IFSW, addresses as a consequence of these measures particularly  the high rate of unemployment, increased poverty of vulnerable groups such as children, women, elderly, chronically ill and disabled people, the deterioration of social cohesion and the lack of social protection.
IFSW Secretary-General Dr Rory Truell applauds the actions taken by the Portuguese Association. “It is important in an economic crisis not to cut social work services because of the increased pressure of families and individuals.” said Dr Truell. “Social Workers have a vital role to play in supporting people and facilitating them to find resources”, he continued.

domingo, 7 de outubro de 2012

IFSW EUROPE e. V. CALL FOR A HONORARY SECRETARY


IFSW EUROPE e. V.

 CALL FOR A HONORARY SECRETARY-ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT


The IFSW European Region is looking to appoint an Honorary Secretary to support the Regional Executive and member organisations to promote social work in Europe.  The appointment is on a voluntary basis, but there will be paid an honorarium of 3.000 Euros a year. In addition to this, office cost will be paid by IFSW, subject to agreement, and includes travel to Executive Meetings held at different venues around Europe about every 6 months as well as the annual Delegates Meeting.  

The post holder will be primarily accountable to the President for IFSW Europe and will work with other Members of the Executive who have lead responsibilities for different areas of the work programme.

This post is offered in the first instance for a period of 12 months. Thereafter it will be reviewed and may be extended for a further period.

The post older will be expected to give the Federation 2 months' notice of their intention to give up the position.

In exceptional circumstances the post older or IFSW European Region may terminate the appointment with immediate effect.  

For questions or informal discussion about the nature of the work and the support available, contact IFSW European President Cristina Martins.

Applications should be received before November 30. 

Cristina Martins
President of the IFSW European Region e. V.
martinscristina25@hotmail.com
 

 IFSW Europe e.V. is one of the five regional divisions of IFSW. IFSW Europe e.V. is a registered legal body, and has  HYPERLINK "http://www.ifsw.org/p38001722.html" 40 member associations in 35 countries, with a total of 165,600 social workers - the membership is representative as it covers all corners of Europe. IFSW Europe e.V. is governed by the Delegates Meeting which meets once a year and includes representatives from each of the member organisations. The member organisations elect the Regional President for a four year term. In addition they elect an Executive of five people which is responsible for the day to day activities of the Federation in Europe. The Executive committee is supported by the Honorary Secretary.


JOB DESCRIPTION

1. To provide administrative and practical support to the IFSW European Executive Committee, including attendance at web-meetings once a month, Executive-meetings at different venues in Europe twice a year and the annual Delegates Meeting. In particular, this will include preparing and typing agendas, taking and writing up minutes, organising and distributing Executive papers, proposing timetables for business and ensuring that these are met, making practical meeting arrangements and other related business.

2. To act as the published secretariat contact point for member organisations and others wishing to make contact with IFSW Europe, including distribution of correspondence to appropriate organisations or individuals and the press.

3. To work on the IFSW Europe's communication team providing administrative  support and publishing the IFSW Europe's Newsletter- European Social Worker, updating and improving the Blog, Facebook and the regional webpage.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential
The individual appointed will be :

. experienced in committee work

. well organised and able to work to deadlines

. able to communicate effectively in an international environment, primarily through the medium of English

. computer literate, this must include having access to computer/internet facilities

. able to travel to meetings at venues around Europe

Desirable
The individual appointed is likely to be - although this is not essential:

. an active member of a national member organisation

. experienced in social policy analysis and/or social work policy

. special skills in media and artwork


30th September 2012