Professionalisation Package for Social Workers

Sabbatical Leave Scheme for Social Workers in the Social Service Sector

Purpose

The Sabbatical Leave Scheme aims to provide social workers the opportunity to recharge and refresh themselves. The scheme also provides social workers the opportunity to engage in activities for professional advancement.

Components and Bond

Components	Details	Bond Duration
Paid Leave	10 weeks of paid leave with salary support up to a maximum of $15,000 during the sabbatical period.	1 year Minimum Service Period* (MSP)^
Professional Advancement Sponsorship	The sponsorship covers training/activity fees and other approved related expenses, capped at $30,000 per successful applicant or the actual expenditure, whichever lower.	Below $10,000	1 year MSP
		Between $10,000 to $30,000	1-year bond^#

^ Minimum Service Period (MSP) is a non-contractual agreement to serve the service period within the current organisation.
* Can be served concurrently with the MSP or bond for the Professional Advancement Sponsorship of below $10,000.
^# For sponsorship amount of between $10,000 to $30,000, the bond period will commence upon completion of the professional advancement component. Social workers participating in this scheme might also be called upon to assume duty as mentor to junior social workers during their MSP or bond period, should the need arise.

Prior to submission of the application, applicants have to ensure that they have not undertaken other obligations that may affect their ability to serve the minimum service period and/or bond period under this scheme.

Value of the Award

The Paid Leave and Professional Advancement sponsorship package is worth $45,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following:

served in the social service sector for at least 5 years
have a recognised Social Work qualification accepted by the Singapore Association of Social Workers

Application

Application is closed.

Applicants are advised to discuss their proposed sabbatical plans with their current employer (VWO). All applications must be submitted through the employers (VWOs), using the prescribed application form, to the following address. Applications which are incomplete will not be considered.

The Sabbatical Leave Scheme Secretariat
Manpower Capability Development Department
National Council of Social Service
Ulu Pandan Community Building
170 Ghim Moh Road #01-02
Singapore 279621

A sample of an application is available for reference.

Applications will be evaluated by the Selection Panel. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome approximately two months after application is closed. The decision of the Panel is final.

As the sabbatical leave is an opportunity for social workers to recharge and refresh themselves so as to continue their invaluable work, sabbatical leave should be taken over a continuous period or over two periods at the most.

Requirements

Upon return from the sabbatical leave, successful applicants will be required to serve their MSP and/or bond in their organisation. They will also need to conduct a sharing session within their organisation and submit a written report to their employer and the Sabbatical Leave Scheme Secretariat.

Contact Us

For enquiries, please contact:

Ms Kristine Choi
Manager
Manpower Capability Department
Corporate Development and Manpower Division
Tel: 6211 3038
Email: Kristine_choi@ncss.gov.sg

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