Head of Department / Head of Department Social Counselling

About the job

Head of Department / Head of Department Social Counselling

The Centre for Social Affairs is one of the largest associations of its kind in Switzerland. On behalf of 28 municipalities with a catchment area of over 100,000 people, we work with great commitment, low-threshold access, and networking in the following areas: Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB), professional guardianship, social counselling, mother and father counselling, addiction counselling, and school social work. The Social and Addiction Counselling department operates polyvalently and offers a wide range of counselling services. These include personal and economic social assistance, youth and parenting counselling, budget and debt counselling, assessments for municipalities and in the area of child protection for the KESB, as well as addiction counselling. The department also includes school social work in eleven municipalities.
As the previous post holder is returning to her original residential region for family reasons, the position is to be newly filled from December 2026 or by agreement.

Your Tasks

Tasks in the overall operational context of the municipal association

• Participation in the management of the Centre for Social Affairs
• Active involvement in operational development and quality management
• External communication of the department in coordination with management
• Targeted, effective, and sustainable completion of assigned tasks, especially the political and operational service mandate
• Participation in internal and external working groups, projects, and expert committees

Tasks within the scope of personnel managementThe department comprises 47 employees. Directly reporting to you are the team leaders of social counselling and administration at both locations as well as the team leader of school social work.

• Personnel management, promotion, and support of employees
• Ensuring quality, knowledge transfer, and professional development
• Design of workflows, processes, and concepts
• Collaboration with municipalities, specialist agencies, authorities, and other stakeholders

Tasks in client work

• Counselling and support of young people, adults, couples, and families in complex social issues
• Consultations in the area of economic and personal social assistance
• Advice on social insurance matters, budget, and income management

Your Profile

• Bachelor or Master in Social Work
• Several years of leadership experience in the social sector
• High reliability and resilience
• Conflict and assertiveness skills
• Knowledge in controlling, quality management, and operational development
• Integrative, mature, and loyal personality

What We Offer You

Paid breaks of 15 minutes per half-day 25-33 days holiday, possibility of unpaid leave/sabbatical and additional holiday purchase of 1-2 weeks Appreciative atmosphere and collegial working climate Flexible working hours model, possibility of home office Free on your birthday (pro rata) Temporal and financial support for further training

Your Contacts for

Questions about the application process
Christine Albisser
HRM Specialist
041 914 34 29
Questions about the position
Jim Wolanin
Managing Director
0419143429

Are you interested?
We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions, Christine Albisser and Jim Wolanin will be happy to assist you. Applications by e-mail cannot be considered.

Your Workplace

Centre for Social Affairs
Christoph-Schnyder-Strasse 4b
6210 Sursee
Google Map Apply now