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 of the Scheme

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.

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 now closed for the scheme. The next application is commencing in mid-September 2010.

Application Schedule	Leave Period	Application Opening Date	Submission Closing Date	Results
1st window	August 2010 to January 2011	1 April 2010	31 May 2010	July 2010
2nd window	February 2011 to July 2011	Mid-September 2010	31 October 2010	December 2010

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:

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

Attached is a sample of an application for reference.

Applications will be evaluated by the Selection Panel and successful applicants will be notified of the outcome two months after the close of application. The decision of the panel is final.

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 .

For enquiries, please contact:

Ms Denise Ong
Email: denise_ong@ncss.gov.sg

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