Volunteering

Volunteer programme in Social Assistance Department Târgu Mureș

Starting March 1, 2021, the Targu Mures Social Welfare Directorate is starting the volunteer program, encouraging, guiding and being with people interested in volunteering in the Directorate's services.

1. What is this volunteering programme?

The term „volunteering" (from the French "volontariat") strictly speaking means an action carried out by one or more individuals with the essential aim of helping others of their own free will and without being obliged or paid to do so. At the same time, the notion of volunteering is codified in national legislation, according to Art. 3. letter a) of Law no. 78/2014, which stipulates that "volunteering is the participation of a natural person volunteer in activities of public interest carried out for the benefit of other persons or society, organized by legal persons of public or private law, without remuneration, individually or in groups". So volunteering within the Social Assistance Department of Targu Mures is a program dedicated to any natural person to provide help to other people, but specifically to people who attend or are graduates of higher education, allowing them to participate in activities of public interest, volunteering being an essential factor in the development of education and training, thus contributing to increased social solidarity.

2. Why does the Targu Mures Social Welfare Directorate organise such a programme?

The programme offers the target audience the opportunity to benefit from professional experience in local government in social work and public administration. Whatever your reasons for wanting to become a volunteer, this is important because it helps you: - Gain direct and unique experience of the work undertaken as well as practical knowledge; - Make new friends; - Learn new things and develop valuable skills; - Test a new career; - Be part of a team; - Help those less fortunate; - Understand the problems of your community; - Cultivate civic spirit. On the other hand, the Social Welfare Department of Targu Mures, as a result of the implementation of this program, wishes to benefit from the energy and innovative spirit of volunteers, elements that have the potential to improve, effectively, the work of the institution.

3. How long does this programme last?

The programme runs indefinitely. A volunteer contract is concluded with each volunteer for 3 months and one year, specifying the specific duration of the contract.

4. Where does the programme take place?

The programme is primarily based at the central headquarters of the Social Assistance Department insert in Targu Mures, conveniently located on Gheorghe Doja Street, no. 9. However, depending on the nature of the activities, they may also be held at other locations.

5. Who can apply?

The programme is aimed at any individual willing to help others, but specifically at people who attending or graduating from higher education. The eligibility criteria that must be met cumulatively in order to volunteer with the institution are: - Romanian citizenship; - in the case of students/graduates, proof of studies in social work, public administration, public health, psychology, pedagogy or medicine.

6. Why would I choose this programme? What advantages does it offer?

Beyond the daily work in the Targu Mures Social Welfare Directorate, which is designed to familiarize volunteers with the challenges in the public system, they have the opportunity to discuss with specialists in the field of social work/public administration, to participate in visits to social units in Romania and to work individually or together with DAS Targu Mures employees to find innovative solutions can minimize costs and maximize benefits. Upon request, Volunteers will receive to a letter of recommendation from the Social Welfare Department of Târgu Mureș, from the coordinator of the volunteering programme, certifying their participation and the skills undertaken within the programme. At the same time, through the programme, the volunteer tests a possible career in the social field. Also, according to the provisions of Law no. 78/2014, the volunteering period can be referred to as experience in the field, offering the possibility of building an attractive CV.

7. How can I register?

Registration for the program will be done by filling out the application form available at the Social Assistance Department of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Doja Street, no. 9 or online. After completion, the form must be sent to the e-mail address: registratura.das@tirgumures.ro.

8. What happens after I join the volunteer programme?

After the verification of the established conditions, the volunteer will be evaluated and an interview will be held at the Social Assistance Department of Targu Mures.

9. Who selects the volunteers?

The selection of the volunteers will be done by the coordinator of the volunteer program, appointed from the Social Welfare Department of Targu Mures, Bureau of Strategies, Programs, Projects and NGO Relations.

10. Do volunteers get paid?

Volunteers will not be entitled to any financial entitlements for activities carried out under the programme.

11. Is previous professional experience necessary?

Volunteers are optional to have previous work experience. However, in assessing applications, previous professional activity (including participation in other volunteering actions) will be considered.

12. What is the work schedule?

The volunteer works at least 2 hours per week, within the working hours set by the Social Assistance Department of Targu Mures.

13. How will I prove my participation in the volunteer programme later?

Participation in the volunteering programme is based on a contract between the two parties.