Social work jobs in Luxembourg

What is the job of a social worker?

A social worker helps people or groups who have different kinds of problems. These can be about money, work, family, living situations, health, or feelings. They deal with many issues, like debt, family violence, taking care of children, and finding a place to live. Their main goal is to give the right kind of help for each person's situation, help people do things on their own, and make it easier for them to be part of society or work again.

Direct duties and objectives

Fields of action

Requirements and training needed to work as a social worker in Luxembourg

Aspiring social workers in Luxembourg undergo a comprehensive education that not only equips them with theoretical knowledge but also hone their practical skills. The combination of formal education and the development of these essential skills prepares individuals to address the diverse and complex needs of the community effectively.

Necessary education

Aptitude test in Law

Apart from formal education, social workers need a diverse set of skills and competencies to navigate the complex landscape of human needs and challenges:

Strong empathy

Becoming a social worker often stems from a deep desire to assist others. Hence, empathy is a natural predisposition for these professionals

Organization skills

A social worker's schedule is often filled, requiring organizational skills. Prioritizing the needs of those they assist is crucial

Open-mind and respect

Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds necessitatesopen-mindedness. Social workers must refrain from passing judgment

Effective communication

Advocating for the interests of people requires effective communication skills, including keen observation of body language and non-verbal cues

What types of positions can be found and are in-demand in the social area?

In the field of social work, there are various specializations or sub-areas, each playing a unique role in addressing societal needs. Let's examine some of the most important roles.

Available jobs in social work field in Luxembourg

Social worker

A social worker accompanies individuals facing difficulties related to housing, employment, health, family violence, and children's education. Acting as a bridge between society and citizens, social workers can be broadly categorized into sectoral generalists who focus on specific geographic areas and category generalists who work within specific sectors such as education, prisons, or businesses.

Delegate for social benefits guardianship

Appointed by a judge, a social benefits guardianship delegate manages social benefits on behalf of individuals or families deemed unable to do so. This role may also involve managing the assets and resources of elderly or disabled individuals declared incapacitated.

Social care assistant

Auxiliary Social Care Professionals assist and support individuals who can no longer manage daily life activities independently. They cater to the needs of the elderly, disabled, or sick, providing essential assistance and support to vulnerable individuals.

Specialized school assistant

They support kindergarten children throughout the day, offering technical and educational assistance to teachers. They play a crucial role in young students' educational and extracurricular activities.

Family mediator

Family mediators specialize in resolving familial conflicts, primarily in situations of separation. Their role involves finding solutions that meet the needs of each family member, promoting understanding and agreement.

Manager of social intervention unit

They serve as intermediate managers who lead and manage a service in the field of social intervention. They oversee teams, supervise projects, and coordinate social actions related to autonomy, social cohesion, citizenship, and prevention of exclusion. This role can involve responsibility for social action in areas such as childhood, home care, or specialized prevention.

Social and family intervention technician

They intervene with families and individuals facing temporary difficulties. Their objective is to preserve autonomy by offering support in daily tasks during critical periods, such as hospitalizations, deaths, births, or disabilities. These professionals also contribute to maintaining the independence of the elderly or disabled and aid in the social inclusion of those at risk of marginalization.

Local development agent

Local development agents work to enhance the quality of life for residents in a neighborhood, city, or rural area. Combining the roles of animators and mediators, these professionals energize and enhance the socio-cultural aspects of the community.

Social and professional integration counselor

Counselors in social and professional integration act as the primary contact for individuals aged 16-25 facing challenges in terms of integration, education, employment, or daily life. They provide personalized assistance to help navigate these critical aspects.

Social and family economy advisor

These professionals are qualified social workers specializing in everyday life domains such as consumption, housing, social and professional integration, and health-related aspects. They intervene with individuals facing financial difficulties, housing access problems, debt issues, or unemployment.

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What sub-areas are most in demand in the field of social work in Luxembourg?

Due to the rising precarity, aging population, and the intricacies of support systems, the demand for local social services is notably high. To delve into specific areas of demand, we turn to a sectoral study conducted by the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) covering the period from 2019 to 2021.

Positions by work area and sub-area (2019 - 2021) (only available in French), Source: ADEM

This study highlights the number of declared positions by domain and sub-domain within the social action field. According to the findings, the domain of childhood, youth, and family claims the top spot, representing over 59% of declared positions. More than half of these positions are dedicated to child daycare. The domain of discrimination and equal opportunities follows closely in the second position, constituting 23% of declared positions, with a significant focus on social work with individuals with disabilities. The domains of elderly care and dependency (10%), adult employment and training (4%), health (2%), and crime and resocialization (1%) follow suit.

What is the best way to start a career in social work in Luxembourg?

The surest method that will not only provide you with employment, but also the opportunity for further growth and residency in the country, is to pursue higher education. The University of Luxembourg is known for its multinationality, advanced research areas and nearly free public education. 

While the cost of living in Luxembourg is relatively high, public university tuition fees remain reasonable. Notably, the University of Luxembourg, the sole public institution, charges a modest annual tuition ranging from 200 to 450 euros. This accessibility makes Luxembourg an attractive option for quality education without exorbitant expenses.

Blog article on studying in Luxembourg as a student

Study in Luxembourg

Where to find a job in the social work field in Luxembourg?

If you're passionate about social work and wondering where to find social work jobs in Luxembourg, we've got you covered. In this section, we will explore the top job portals and discover the best places to secure employment in Luxembourg. 

Luxembourg establishments recruiting social workers

While the number of biology-related job offerings in Luxembourg is limited, several notable companies actively recruit in these areas.

The Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

As the public sector requires a diverse range of professions, social workers play a crucial role in governmental functions.

Social work jobs in Luxembourg

Médecins du Monde Luxembourg

An international medical development organization, Médecins du Monde provides medical care to vulnerable populations worldwide and in Luxembourg. Beyond healthcare, the organization advocates for access and the right to health, addressing issues related to human rights and human dignity.

Social work jobs in Luxembourg

Centre Hospitalier Neuro-Psychiatrique (CHNP)

Located in Ettelbruck, this is Luxembourg's largest psychiatric hospital. Structured into three entities, each is dedicated to specific population types: Rehaklinik, Centre Pontalize & De Park.

Social work jobs in Luxembourg

La Croix-Rouge Luxembourgeoise

As the Luxembourg branch of the world's largest humanitarian organization, La Croix-Rouge Luxembourgeoise boasts a 160-year history and a global network of 192 national organizations.

Social work jobs in Luxembourg

Job portals offering vacancies in Luxembourg

To navigate the job market efficiently, the internet is your best ally, hosting numerous job portals with thousands of job listings. These platforms allow you to filter job offers based on your preferred sector, location, educational level, or required work experience.

International job search

Among the international portals are eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.

Job platforms for Luxembourg

For local opportunities in Luxembourg, prominent portals include jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, and moovijob.com. Each portal offers a unique set of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your job search to your preferences and career goals.

Freelance option in social work

Freelancing is not a common practice in the social work field primarily due to economic factors. Social work often involves providing essential services that are traditionally funded by organizations, institutions, or government entities. The nature of social work requires a stable and consistent source of funding to ensure ongoing support for individuals and communities. Freelancing may pose challenges in maintaining financial stability and the ability to offer sustained assistance, making it less prevalent in the social work domain.

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on the job search, career development and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out. 

Salaries of social workers in 2024

According to talent.com, the average salary for a social worker in Luxembourg is 42,000 euros. Entry-level positions start at approximately 34,944 euros per year, while seasoned professionals can earn up to 80,000 euros annually.

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

For European nationals, the process of working in Luxembourg is relatively straightforward, given the freedom to live and work in any European country. However, if you are not a European national, navigating the paperwork becomes essential.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Two fully completed Schengen visa application forms

Two recent identical passport photos

A copy of the passport

Proof of accommodation

An employment contract

Payment of the applicable visa fee

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.