Social services and social work education development in the North Karelia region -project

This project aims 1) to train 25 Master of Social Sciences in North Karelia region to mitigate the labour shortages in the field of social work, 2) to build and activate social services research and development model, 3) to develop social services for clients who need a lot of services . The target group of the project are employees who work in the field of social work and social services in North Karelia region, and who lack the statutory qualifications required for the post of social worker, and professionals, whose work practices will be also development within this project.

The project will be implemented during the period 1.3.2024-31.12.2026. The Department of
Social Sciences of the University of Eastern Finland and North Karelia region will be responsible for the implementation and the content of the project. The project measures will combine the basic tasks of the university including research, training and social tasks. In the first phase project staff and students will be recruited. Twenty-five (25) students will be selected for the Master of Social Work Degree programme on the basis of their previous studies. The necessary teaching staff will be hired at the University of Eastern Finland.

The Master`s programme training in social work will begin in autum of 2024. Channels for
research and development of the project will be study-related research and field placements as
well as collaboration graduates and social worker practioners to develop operational structures in
the field of social work.