The Role of the TISE in Social Services: A Comprehensive Guide
The Role of the TISE in Social Services
Educational and Social Functions of the TISE
The TISE (Técnico de Integración Social/Social Integration Technician) plays a crucial role in child protection and education within the school system. They act as agents of social change, fostering socialization through individual, family, and community interventions.
Personal Skills of a TISE
Effective TISEs possess a strong set of personal and professional skills, including:
- Personal growth and balance
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Creative problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Activity planning and implementation
- Knowledge of educational psychology
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Mental agility and self-confidence
Legal Framework and Responsibilities
Article 39 of the Spanish Constitution mandates public authorities to ensure social, economic, and legal protection for families and children. The Law 5/97 of the 20th Century grants exclusive competence in social assistance to autonomous communities. Municipalities, through their social services departments, are responsible for providing these services. TISEs work closely with families facing social challenges, guiding their educational efforts and ensuring the well-being of minors.
Intervention and Prevention
TISEs engage in two primary levels of action:
- Intervention: Providing direct support to children and families through individual attention, social and environmental assessments, needs diagnosis, intervention plan development and implementation, activity guidance, referral to appropriate resources, and collaboration with social welfare authorities.
- Prevention: Engaging in community-based initiatives to address educational needs, design and manage socio-educational programs, promote child support initiatives, establish partnerships with schools and relevant institutions, foster resource creation, and provide socio-cultural animation and technical support for educational programs.
TISE Involvement in Social Programs
TISEs play active roles in various social programs, including:
- Information, Advice, and Guidance Programs: Providing families with information, resources, and guidance on available services.
- Social Emergency Financial Assistance Programs: Identifying and addressing situations of precarity, conducting social assessments, and proposing actions to improve education and manage socio-educational programs.
- Social Cooperation Programs: Promoting solidarity, partnership, and community involvement.
- Prevention and Social Integration Programs: Addressing relational and emotional dynamics, identifying high-risk families, promoting access to resources, coordinating with relevant services, and providing ongoing support and monitoring.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Collaboration is essential for effective TISE practice. They work closely with other professionals, including social workers, educators, psychologists, and community leaders, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated support for children and families.
TISE’s Professional Profile in Social Services
Social Education and Pedagogy
The TISE profession falls under the umbrella of social education and social pedagogy. The increasing demand for qualified social care professionals has led to the establishment of university diplomas in social education.
Social pedagogy emphasizes the importance of understanding the social context in which education takes place. It recognizes the value of both formal and non-formal education, initial training, continuous self-learning, and various educational settings.
Theoretical Approaches
- Lowy: Social education is a qualified professional action based on social diagnosis, utilizing appropriate means to achieve social change.
- Colom: Social education is an egalitarian instrument for improving social and personal life.
- Volpi: Social education must consider social conditions and understand the society it serves.
Aims of Social Education
- Promote personal growth and empowerment.
- Strengthen community resources and facilitate access.
- Foster positive social interactions and relationships.
- Develop critical thinking skills and social awareness.
Historical Evolution and Current Context
The concept of special education, initially focused on individuals with perceived abnormalities, has evolved significantly. The Royal Decree of August 30, 1991, established the modern framework for social education in Spain.
Ramon Llull University defines the social educator as a professional who designs, develops, and implements educational projects to improve individuals and their communities. The Diploma in Social Education recognizes and professionalizes the work of socio-educational practitioners.
Training and Areas of Expertise
Social education graduates receive training in various areas, including:
- Pedagogy of free time
- Socio-educational intervention in marginalized communities
- Social inclusion
- Lifelong learning
- Environmental education
- Cultural animation
- Elderly care
Work Settings and Collaboration
TISEs work in diverse settings, including:
- Open, closed, or semi-open facilities
- Public or private institutions
- Primary care teams
They collaborate with other professionals to provide preventive services, educational interventions, and comprehensive support to individuals and families.
– Olivier Reboul, Philosophy of Education