In Luxembourg, AI is already being used to some extent. Especially in the administrative field, such as accounting, for example. Social workers also increasingly use translation systems on their smartphones so that they can communicate with beneficiaries who do not speak the common languages, explains Dr. Andreas Braun, an AI specialist at a large consulting firm.
Completely avoiding AI is not an option, which is why FEDAS (Federation of Social Sectors in Luxembourg) already offers specific training for social workers. This is necessary for their work, says Secretary General Thomas Lentz. It has been needed for a while, since a number of beneficiaries are also in contact with artificial intelligence.
“The opportunity lies in the training and education of teachers and staff who provide guidance”, explains Lentz. The use of artificial intelligence could also be interesting in the field of disability. According to the explanation, since these people receive support, programs are created for them, and AI makes it possible to set up such support programs more quickly, more efficiently, and on a broader scale.
AI could help with mandatory case documentation or to check whether a person is in need, as they already do in Spain. “For example, a needs assessment takes place automatically by combining data from different systems, and people entitled to an energy subsidy receive it automatically.” In Luxembourg, such a system could be interesting for subsidy rents, emphasises Dr. Andreas Braun. Many people are indeed eligible but do not apply.
Since social work often involves very vulnerable people, it is important to develop AI systems where the data is processed as locally as possible. Braun also emphasised that, particularly for the social sector, it is important to build a sovereign infrastructure that is technically state-of-the-art while still allowing full control over the data.
