Forward-looking Department

In recent years, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security has been engaged in shaping the future landscape of social welfare services, by examining emerging needs and challenges and the responses they call for. This process focuses on a fundamental question: How should we define the success of social services in general, and welfare services in particular—both from the perspective of professional teams and from that of service recipients?

Now, the Ministry of Welfare and Rashi have partnered in a joint initiative aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of municipal social service departments on three complementary levels:

• Organizational structure – advancing the department as an organization that provides optimal service: professional, high-quality, needs-based, and forward-looking.
• Human capital – defining principles and methods for recruitment, long-term professional development, and retention of employees within a system that provides a meaningful and professional work environment.
• Policy to support and facilitate the implementation of activities taking place as part of the initiative.

Working on all three levels, while taking into account lessons from the past as well as future trends, will create an innovative and effective department that provides high-quality services and optimal response to evolving challenges.

In the first phase, a special task force was established, composed of professionals in key roles with diverse experience and expertise. Its role is to outline the principles for program’s development and work processes. When this phase has been completed in early 2026, a pilot program will be launched in eight municipal social service departments. This pilot will focus on structural–organizational aspects with a major impact on service quality, and on relevant policy changes.

Partners

Government | Local authorities | Philanthropy