Detailed description
We will inform you about the opportunities for volunteer work in Hamburg's district offices and the expectations for applicants. You will receive information about the application process and the benefits you will receive for the duration of your voluntary service. We facilitate contact between applicants and placement organizations and handle all other administrative tasks from the start to the end of your Federal Volunteer Service. Start dates are available on the 1st and 15th of each month.
You can complete your Federal Volunteer Service in the social, environmental, and cultural sectors, as well as in sports, integration, and animal welfare. You can choose the specific area, location, and placement you wish to undertake.
The following key points apply to the Federal Volunteer Service:
- The standard duration is 12 months, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 18 months. In exceptional cases, assignments of up to 24 months are also possible (for example, if there is a special educational concept).
- The Federal Volunteer Service can also be completed part-time (at least 20 hours per week).
- They receive pocket money and a food allowance.
- Your contributions to social security and statutory accident insurance are paid by the employing organization.
- If you complete the 12-month Federal Voluntary Service, you are generally entitled to unemployment benefits.
- If you are under 25 years old and performing federal voluntary service, your parents can receive child benefit or tax allowances for you.
- The basis for the deployment is the conclusion of an individual agreement between you and the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society (BAFzA).
- Mandatory attendance at a total of 25 seminar days at the Kiel Education Center (5 seminar modules of 5 days each). For those over 27 years of age, this amounts to a total of 12 days at the other education centers.
The first six weeks of employment constitute a probationary period. During this time, employment can be terminated with two weeks' notice. After the probationary period, the notice period is four weeks, effective on the 15th or the last day of the month. In addition, the employment relationship can be terminated prematurely for good cause – for example, due to the commencement of vocational training or university studies.
During your service, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Youth Employment Protection Act, and the provisions of the Federal Vacation Act apply. For example, with a service period of twelve months, you are entitled to 24 vacation days.
Work clothes, accommodation and meals can be provided or the costs for them reimbursed.
For social security purposes, the Federal Volunteer Service is treated the same as an apprenticeship. The contributions for pension, accident, health, long-term care, and unemployment insurance are paid by the sponsoring organization.