Can they do it? How the jobcenter tries to integrate refugees
The job center is the point of contact for all recognized refugees in the district for benefits under "hartz IV". Once an application for benefits has been approved, the job center’s integration work begins. The job center is currently looking after 534 refugees, compared with 494 in july. This corresponds to about one quarter of all people who are employable and in need here. Most refugees come from syria and iraq.
First step: information
Since most of the refugees do not know german and often bring with them previous professional knowledge that is not in demand in this country, integration is a difficult but rewarding process for both sides, according to a press release. Initially, the most important goal is to inform them about the german benefits system and the basic rules of life here.
In a first step, group information in arabic, english and german explains to them what the job center is and how it works. In a second step, the arabic-speaking employees provide advice in personal languages. They will also clarify what conditions refugees must meet in order to receive unemployment benefit II, what applications they must complete, and what documents they must bring with them. They also provide information on how the job center can help them find a place to live.
Second step: language acquisition
In job placement, language acquisition is the first priority. Recognized refugees are entitled to integration and literacy courses. Funded by the bamf, there are now sufficient courses in erlangen, herzogenaurach and nurnberg.
After taking a placement test, refugees attend a suitable course and complete advanced modules. Once they have completed module B1, which certifies that they have a fairly good command of the language, the work of integrating them into the labor market begins.
After about one and a half years, refugees have reached this level and the job center can find them a job, usually in the helping sector. If they want to do an apprenticeship, refugees should preferably reach the B1 to B2 language level. If a traineeship is added, three years pass between the time the application is submitted and the start of training.
A refugee can only take up a course of study if he or she has recognized certificates and language skills at level C1. It often takes three years to get there.
Some refugees fail in the language course system, for example if they do not reach the B1 level. The job center is trying to provide more support for these people by offering them additional educational services. If people fail, the job center employs them in alternative community work, for example in the social department stores of the district. Here they are gradually introduced to the job market.
Third step: job search
The employees of the job center begin with the so-called profiling, analyzing the professional knowledge and experience of the refugee. Preferred means of integration is an internship. However, many refugees want to integrate directly into the labor market. In these cases, the job center looks at what opportunities are available in which professions.