Erich Zbinden

Erich Zbinden is an experienced professional in the field of social work and integration. Currently serving as Leiter Kompetenzzentrum Arbeit KA at Stadt Bern since August 2020, Zbinden is responsible for employment and social integration programs for individuals receiving social assistance, including asylum seekers and youth without vocational training. Previously, Zbinden held the position of Programmleitung SEMO Emmental und Oberaargau at HEKS - Hilfswerk der Evangelischen Kirchen Schweiz from July 2015 to April 2020, overseeing motivational programs for young individuals lacking a professional qualification. Zbinden also co-founded and moderated Forumtheater Konfliktüre from October 1994 to November 2018, focusing on interactive theater to address social issues and conflict resolution. Prior roles include Leitung Arbeitsintegration at Caritas Schweiz, focusing on the integration of migrants and unemployed individuals. Zbinden holds a Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on large social systems from Berner Fachhochschule BFH and a degree in theology from the University of Bern.