SozialarbeiterinnenSozialarbeiter

Soz ialarbeiterinnenSozialarbeiter is the concatenated form of a German occupational title used to refer to both female and male social workers. In formal writing the gender-inclusive form is typically written as Sozialarbeiterinnen und Sozialarbeiter, or more recently as Sozialarbeitende.

Social workers provide individualized support and advocate for clients, including counseling, crisis intervention, and helping people access housing, employment, health care, and education. They assess needs, develop care plans, coordinate services with families and institutions, and monitor progress while protecting client confidentiality.

In Germany and many other German-speaking countries, the standard entry qualification is a university or university of applied sciences degree in Soziale Arbeit (Bachelor), usually three to four years. Graduates may become state-recognized social workers; many positions also require further study such as a Master’s degree or specialized trainings.

Work settings vary and include youth welfare offices, schools, clinics, hospitals, social services in municipalities, NGOs, and refugee or migration centers. The profession is guided by ethical frameworks emphasizing dignity, participation, anti-discrimination, and data protection, with ongoing professional development and supervision.