Social Worker (Child Welfare)

We are seeking a skilled social worker to join our team in Lahti in a permanent position focusing on child protection open care, foster care and services for minors in aftercare. The position will be filled starting 1 October 2026. The team handles cases in Lahti, Asikkala, north of Hollola and in Padasjoki. The social worker will be responsible for child-focused matters as part of the open protection, foster and aftercare work with a systemic approach. Multidisciplinary weekly teams include family therapists. Our team comprises a lead social worker, social workers, social inspectors, and family workers. We work largely in pair-based practice. We have structured support so you can focus on the child’s case, including an adult team for adult matters, as well as clerical resources. We expect you to act in accordance with the Child Welfare Act, maintain good interactions with clients and colleagues, and work purposefully to safeguard the child’s best interests. Experience in child welfare social work is an asset. We offer comprehensive occupational health services and personnel benefits. As a member of our workforce you will enjoy: a supportive, motivating culture; public-sector holidays and flexible work arrangements; health services including a Health Application; vacation benefits and staff events; Pähe union membership; access to discounted tickets for regional events and services via Pähe’s leisure groups; easy commuting links from Helsinki or Lappeenranta to Lahti by train in about 1 hour, and from Kouvola in about 30 minutes; leasing cars for job tasks; remote work is possible 1–2 days per week. In addition to general qualifications, you must hold the social welfare professional license (as defined by the Act on Social Welfare Professionals). Before taking the post you must present a criminal record extract as required by the Act on Background Checks for working with children and young people. Proficiency in Finnish spoken and written is required. If no applicants meeting the qualifications are found, the post may temporarily be filled for up to one year by a student who has completed basic and intermediate social work studies and practical training, or by someone with a related university degree or polytechnic degree that includes social work studies and practical training. Write your story in Päijät-Häme. Welcome to our team!

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