Israel Boosts Welfare Shelter Staff Pay Amid Rising Challenges

Israel's Ministry of Welfare has updated its tariff for residents in state-run welfare shelters, a move expected to increase the salaries of shelter counselors by several hundred shekels per month. This adjustment, detailed in an internal memo distributed to shelter directors and set to take effect this month, comes after prolonged advocacy by shelter staff facing wage erosion and high turnover.

The ministry framed the tariff update as a measure to "strengthen counselors" and announced an allocation of NIS 30 million for the initiative. While the ministry did not specify how the increased budget would directly translate to counselor pay, a rate table obtained by Ynet indicates an approximate 5% increase. The exact raise varies by shelter type, with higher increases for facilities housing children with complex therapeutic needs.

Under the new directive, counselors will be required to complete a brief initial training and annual professional development courses to qualify for the enhanced rates. The ministry also plans to invest in specialized training for counselors in various therapeutic techniques and a dedicated program for shelter leaders, aiming to elevate the role from a temporary job to a recognized profession.

The ministry highlighted a recent worsening of conditions for many children in shelters, leading to increased violence, escape attempts, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This underscores the need for experienced, stable staff capable of managing these complex challenges.

Approximately 3,000 counselors currently care for around 6,000 youths across 130 welfare shelters in Israel. These shelters are operated by external providers, including non-profits and private companies, through government tenders. Prior to this tariff increase, the ministry budgeted counselor salaries between NIS 7,740 and NIS 8,200, including social benefits, which was only slightly above the minimum wage.