In the heart of Zurich-Stettbach, the Gfellergut serves as a critical anchor for youth navigating the precarious transition from adolescence to adulthood. As a socio-pedagogical center, the institution provides a structured environment for 53 young people, offering a blend of residential support and vocational training designed to foster long-term social and professional integration.
The center is currently seeking a qualified leader to step into the role of Abteilungsleitung Ausbildung und Schule 80-100%, based at Stettbachstrasse 300, 8051 Zürich. This position is not merely an administrative role but a strategic leadership post responsible for the educational trajectory of the center’s residents and the management of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
Operating under the umbrella of the Stiftung Zürcher Kinder- und Jugendheime (zkj), Gfellergut integrates traditional schooling with practical, hands-on labor. By bridging the gap between classroom theory and workplace reality, the center aims to equip marginalized youth with the tangible skills necessary to enter the Swiss labor market.
The vacancy, available immediately or by agreement, represents a pivotal hire for the institution. The successful candidate will oversee a department of 19 staff members, balancing the operational needs of several vocational workshops with the pedagogical requirements of a specialized small-group school.
Managing a Diverse Vocational Ecosystem
The scope of the Ausbildung und Schule department is broad, reflecting the varied interests and aptitudes of the youth it serves. The department head is tasked with the professional and personnel leadership of several distinct operational units. These include a commercial apprenticeship office (KV-Lehrbüro), a carpentry shop (Schreinerei), general facility maintenance (Betriebsunterhalt) and a bicycle workshop (Velowerkstatt), supported by a flexible pool of “Springer” or floaters.
Beyond these technical trades, the role encompasses the oversight of the small-group school, the art and design studio, and the overall strategic direction of professional integration. This hybrid structure ensures that students who may struggle in traditional large-scale educational settings receive tailored support in a controlled, supportive environment.
From a financial and organizational perspective, the department head holds primary budget responsibility for the entire unit. This involves not only the day-to-day fiscal management of the workshops but also the conceptual development of the department to ensure the curriculum and training methods remain current with industry standards.
Core Responsibilities and Strategic Oversight
The expectations for the role are comprehensive, requiring a leader who can pivot between high-level strategy and granular operational management. Key duties include:
- Personnel Leadership: Providing professional guidance and management for the 19-person team.
- Educational Accountability: Taking primary responsibility for the quality of apprentice training and the success of professional integration efforts.
- Fiscal Management: Directing the department’s budget to optimize resources for student learning.
- Event Coordination: Organizing and executing various institutional events that facilitate social integration.
- Institutional Governance: Serving as a key member of the Gfellergut leadership team to align departmental goals with the center’s broader mission.
Candidate Profile: Balancing Authority and Empathy
Given the complexity of the environment, the Gfellergut is seeking a candidate who possesses both formal academic credentials and a level of emotional maturity suited for work with at-risk youth. The ideal profile combines a background in social pedagogy with the practical discipline of a vocational trade.
Academic requirements include a diploma from a University of Applied Sciences (FH) or Higher Vocational College (HF) in social pedagogy, social work, psychology, or educational sciences. Alternatively, a diploma in special education (schulischer Heilpädagogik) is considered an equivalent qualification. While not mandatory, the institution strongly prefers candidates who have completed an EFZ apprenticeship, as this provides a firsthand understanding of the vocational paths the students are pursuing.
Experience is non-negotiable; candidates must have at least two years of professional experience working directly with adolescents. The institution emphasizes the need for “natural authority” and a high threshold for stress, noting that the role requires a personality capable of maintaining stability in a challenging socio-pedagogical setting.
| Category | Requirement | Preference/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Education | FH/HF Diploma | Social Pedagogy, Social Work, or Psychology |
| Certification | EFZ Apprenticeship | Ideal for understanding vocational paths |
| Experience | Minimum 2 Years | Direct work with youth/adolescents |
| Leadership | Management Training | Certification or willingness to undergo training |
The Institutional Framework and Impact
The Gfellergut is more than a school; It’s a socio-pedagogical hub. By providing a safe harbor and a clear path toward employment, the center addresses the systemic challenges faced by youth who have fallen through the cracks of the standard educational system. The impact of the Abteilungsleitung Ausbildung und Schule 80-100% role is measured by the number of young adults who successfully transition from the center into stable employment or further education.
Employees at the center benefit from the professional environment and the progressive employment conditions provided by the Stiftung Zürcher Kinder- und Jugendheime (zkj), which is known for its commitment to social welfare and youth development in the Canton of Zurich.
For those interested in the position, the institution has designated Rolf Tobler, the Institutionsleiter, as the primary point of contact for further inquiries. Applications are being accepted via email at [email protected], with more detailed information regarding the center’s mission available at www.gfellergut.ch.
The next phase for the institution involves the selection and onboarding of this leadership role to ensure the continuity of the vocational programs. Once a candidate is selected, the focus will shift toward the conceptual development of the department for the upcoming academic and vocational cycle.
We invite readers to share this opportunity within their professional networks or exit a comment below regarding the evolution of vocational integration in Switzerland.
