Career Counselling for students & graduates of Socially Vulnerable Groups
The Career Services Office provides specialized services to students/graduates belonging to Vulnerable Social Groups, aiming to develop their professional qualifications and support their integration into the labour market.
Socially vulnerable groups (SVG) are the population groups who are at greater risk than the rest of the population of being deprived of essential social goods, such as access to employment, education, and healthcare. The economic challenges of a country, as well as fear of what is different and the associated prejudice, result in the social exclusion of various population groups.
The following are usually characterized as socially vulnerable groups:
- Individuals with special needs
- Individuals addicted to drugs, alcohol, or gambling
- Individuals in the process of recovery from addiction
- Individuals with mental illnesses
- Ex-prisoners
- Repatriates / refugees / immigrants
- Individuals with linguistic, cultural, or religious particularities
- Abused women or trafficking victims
- Special categories of unemployed individuals (long-term unemployed, over 45 years old)
- Destitute / homeless individuals
Looking at things from a broader perspective, we might say that anyone marginalized from the social, economic, and professional fabric of a country, regardless of whether they belong to an “official” category, is considered socially excluded. Economic and social developments result in the deprivation of access to basic goods and services for various social groups.
The following are counselling services provided to students and graduates belonging to vulnerable social groups:
Individual career counselling
Through individual counseling, students/graduates shall have the opportunity to identify strengths and competences, set personal career goals, as well as plan and implement a personalized job search plan, taking into account each individual’s unique skills and expertise. Counselling is tailored to the needs of each individual, ensuring access to the counselling procedure.
Online Counselling
Online Counselling is conducted via e-mail / telephone / Zoom for students and graduates with disabilities who are unable to move around the university campus.
Information on specialized issues with regard to education, employment, and occupation
Information is provided on specific issues within the framework of counselling services that may facilitate an individual’s access to the labour market or the continuation of their studies.
Indicatively:
- Subsidized employment programmes through the Public Employment Service (DYPA) for Socially Vulnerable Groups
- Specialized Supported Employment Offices (EGYA) for People with Severe Psychosocial Problems (AmSPS) and People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Koi.S.P.E. IRIS (link)
- Subsidy programmes for enterprises
- Training programmes
- Benefits / Scholarships