Department of Welfare

The Department of Welfare offers a diverse and ambitious welfare service aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Reykjavík City. The Department encompasses 117 work locations, including 77 that provide around-the-clock services.

Director

The Director of the Department of Welfare is Rannveig Einarsdóttir.

Welfare Policy

Reykjavík City's Welfare Policy was approved by the City Council in June 2021. It sets a framework for an ambitious welfare service. Its aim is to enhance quality of life, support dignity for all residents of Reykjavík, and ensure that Reykjavík truly serves everyone. The Policy is effective until 2030. It includes a detailed action plan until 2025.

Centers

The Department of Welfare has four Centers located in the city's districts, in addition to operating an online service center. They offer a variety of support, counseling, and services to individuals and families, provide expertise in preschools and primary schools, and undertake projects in the areas of prevention and social capital.

There, one can apply for social counseling and support for activity, financial assistance, special housing support, residential care, and much more. The centers operate housing resources for disabled people, social activities for adults, and various special projects that cater to the needs of residents.

Child protection

Reykjavík Child Protection Services work to ensure that children living in unacceptable conditions or whose health and development are at risk receive appropriate support. Child Protection runs diverse homes for children, provides support and counseling within the home, and manages foster care arrangements in temporary, permanent, or supported solutions. An on-call service is operational every day outside office hours.

  • If a child is in danger, always call 112
  • Inquiries and requests can be sent by email to barnavernd@reykjavik.is
  • Notifications concerning the welfare of children can be sent through a special reporting portal
  • The phone number for Child Protection during office hours is 411 9200

Statistics and additional information

Contact

  • Information on the status of individual cases and applications can be obtained at the Centers
  • Suggestions relating to the services of the Department of Welfare can be sent through a special suggestion website
  • The phone number for Reykjavík City's Service Center is 4 11 11 11

 

Values of the Department of Welfare

Respect

We respect everyone we interact with. We embrace diversity and treat others as we wish to be treated.

Activity

We want everyone to be able to actively participate in society on their own terms. We provide individualized services and work to enhance the initiative and independence of city residents and staff.

Welfare

We lead discussions on welfare issues and the quality of life of city residents and consistently fight against poverty. We strengthen families and individuals with education, support, monitoring, and rehabilitation as needed.

Staff

Aðalbjörg Traustadóttir – Head of the Office for Disabled People's Affairs

Policy making, preparation of matters for the Welfare Council, implementation of innovations in laws and regulations, comprehensive development of housing matters and housing services, and follow-up on the housing development plan. Engages in active monitoring and establishment of service quality standards, supervises the activities of the Department of Welfare in matters concerning disabled people, coordinates procedures at City Centers, sits on the executive board of the Department of Welfare, participates in working groups within and outside the City, and has overall responsibility for issues concerning adult disabled individuals.

Email – adalbjorg.traustadottir@reykjavik.is

Agnes Sif Andrésdóttir – Head of Finance and Operations

Is responsible for all aspects related to the finances and operations of the Department, such as planning and settlements with the Director, ministries, and other parties involved in operational interactions with Reykjavík's Department of Welfare. Responsible for cost analyses, information gathering from operations, financial key figures, and reporting. Responsible for the financial aspects of the Department's operational and service agreements. Oversees professional cooperation and coordination with other service units of the Department, institutions, and partners within and outside the City.

Email – agnes.sif.andresdottir@reykjavik.is;

Andrea Ida Jónsdóttir Köhler – Project Manager of Communication at the Office of Administration

Manages the editorial content for the internal and external websites of the Department of Welfare. Responsible for overseeing and providing guidance on the production of the Department's informational materials. Edits and oversees the annual report of the Department of Welfare and leads the annual report team. Engages in development and innovation in the creation of promotional materials and participates in event planning.

Email – andrea.ida.jonsdottir.kohler@reykjavik.is

Anna Sigrún Baldursdóttir – Head of the Office of the Elderly

Supervises the projects of the office and their prioritization. Responsible for areas under the Office's jurisdiction, including residential care, home services, nursing homes, serviced apartments, meal delivery, and social activities. The Head of Office leads the professional work and ensures that its development aligns with user needs. Furthermore, the Head of Office leads contract negotiations for office-related matters with parties outside Reykjavík City and sits on the executive board of the Department of Welfare.

Email – anna.sigrun.baldursdottir@reykjavik.is

Anna Guðmundsdóttir – Human Resources Manager

Directs the Department's human resources services and related tasks. Oversees and monitors the consistent implementation of the City's Human Resources Policy and provides managers with guidance on human resources issues. Leads policy making in human resources services and follows up on goals and actions in the City's Welfare Policy. Supervises and is responsible for salary and employment conditions, continuous education, career development, training issues, job descriptions, job evaluation, workplace safety, harassment matters, and other human resources tasks for the Department. Develops and seeks ways to reduce staff turnover, works to make jobs in the Department of Welfare appealing, and strives to make the Department a desirable workplace. Responsible for communication with the Department's stakeholders regarding human resources issues, such as with labor unions. Sits on the executive board of the Department of Welfare.

Email – anna.gudmundsdottir@reykjavik.is

Arne Friðrik Karlsson – Project Manager at the Office for the Affairs of Disabled People

Supervises reform efforts and activity-based support services in the Department of Welfare and the operations of Gylfaflöt, Iðjuberg, Arnarbakki, and Völvufell. Implements service-oriented guidance and education concerning issues of disabled people. Provides advice and support to the directors of group homes and apartment complexes for disabled people. Oversees educational and equipment grants of the Department of Welfare for disabled people.

Email - arne.fridrik.karlsson@reykjavik.is

Auður Ósk Hálfdánsdóttir – Human Resources Advisor

Provides managers with advice and assistance on human resources matters such as recruitment, employment conditions, employee rights and obligations, teamwork, communication, and team unity, and performs oversight where necessary. Assists managers in making the Department's workplaces desirable and motivating, and supports managers in providing professional leadership. Advises and guides managers on better working hours in shift work, work time planning, shift schedules, shift system Vinna, Vinnustund, and batching.

Email – audur.osk.halfdansdottir@reykjavik.is

Auður Vilhelmsdóttir – Project Manager at the Office of Counseling Services

Responsible for the preparation, management, and completion of cases handled by the allocation team for general housing, housing for the homeless, and serviced apartments. Ensures the management and completion of team meeting minutes. Works with counselors from Centers and Félagsbústaðir Social Housing regarding the above mentioned housing categories.

Email – audur.vilhelmsdottir@reykjavik.is

Bára Sigurjónsdóttir – Lawyer at the Office of Administration – on leave

Provides legal advice to employees of Reykjavík City's Department of Welfare regarding matters related to the Department's operations. Handles administrative affairs received from public bodies or individuals, creation of rules for Reykjavík City, involvement in legal competency cases, writing of opinions, as well as other occasional tasks.

Email – bara.sigurjonsdottir@reykjavik.is

Berglind Víðisdóttir – Residential Care Manager

Ensures that residential care is operated consistently across the city's districts. Responsible for the implementation of new teams, innovation, and advancement in residential care.

Email – berglind.vidisdottir@reykjavik.is

Bryndís Snæbjörnsdóttir – Project Manager at the Office for the Affairs of Disabled People

Leads a team focusing on the transition of young individuals from childhood to adulthood with the aim of ensuring successful adult years. Engages in development and innovation in the field of disability affairs. Represents the Office in the working group on welfare technology. Oversees information on the Department of Welfare's website.

Email - bryndis.snaebjornsdottir@reykjavik.is

Diemut Haberbusch – Data Specialist at the Office of Administration

Data specialist in the performance and quality assessment team within the Office of Administration. Diemut works on integrating the Department's statistics into a data warehouse and creating interactive dashboards for the Department's service components and user groups.

Email – diemut.haberbusch@reykjavik.is

Dís Sigurgeirsdóttir – Head of the Office of Administration

The Office of Administration leads administrative matters, quality issues, and the policy making for Reykjavík City's Department of Welfare. It is responsible for managing the department's administration and for servicing the Welfare Council and City Council regarding office-related issues. The Office is accountable for policy making and implementing the City's Welfare Policy and ensuring its integration across all areas. The Office manages the follow-up of other policies and action plans of the Department of Welfare as applicable, as well as handling requests for domestic and foreign visitors and communication with public institutions.

Email - dis.sigurgeirsdottir@reykjavik.is

Elín Sigríður Gunnsteinsdóttir – Project Manager in the Performance and Quality Assessment Team at the Office of Administration

Oversees the preparation, implementation, and processing of service surveys and audits in the Department of Welfare. Is also responsible for creating and updating requirement descriptions.

Email – elin.sigridur.gunnsteinsdottir@reykjavik.is;

Edda Ólafsdóttir – Project Manager at the Counseling Service Office

Is responsible for collaboration with Centers and specialized teams of the Department of Welfare on issues concerning vulnerable groups such as immigrants, refugees, and the homeless, particularly on education-related matters. Serves as the liaison for the Department of Welfare to the University of Iceland concerning research and students.

Email – edda.olafsdottir@reykjavik.is

Fanney Magnadóttir – Lawyer at the Office of Administration

Provides legal advice to employees of Reykjavík City's Department of Welfare regarding matters related to the Department's operations. Handles administrative affairs received from public bodies or individuals, creation of rules for Reykjavík City, involvement in legal competency cases, writing of opinions, as well as other occasional tasks.

Email – fanney.magnadottir@reykjavik.is

Gabríel Andrés Mörtuson – In charge of the coffee lounge

Email – gabriel.andres.mortuson@reykjavik.is

Guðjón Örn Helgason – Human Resources Advisor

Provides managers with advice and assistance on human resources matters, including hiring, labor law, termination, employee rights and obligations, cooperation, communication, and teamwork, and conducts oversight where necessary. Assists managers in making the Department's workplaces desirable and motivating, and supports managers in providing professional leadership. Oversees and is responsible for creating new positions and job evaluation within the Department, provides advice, and monitors job descriptions and titles. Is the contact person for workplace health promotion within the Department of Welfare and is responsible for projects related to health promotion within the Department. Works on the development of procedures and the implementation of policies in human resources, participates in teaching and conducting courses related to human resources, and is part of working groups for the Department and the City. Acts as a substitute for the Human Resources Manager.

Email – gudjonoh@reykjavik.is

Guðmundur Sigmarsson – Project Manager in the Performance and Quality Assessment Team

Is responsible for the collection and processing of data for statistical processing and analyses. Compiles regular statistical information for The National Agency for Children and Families, Statistics Iceland, and the Human Rights Office. Participates in working groups, including those focused on software system development.

Email – gudmundur.sigmarsson@reykjavik.is

Gunnlaugur Sverrisson – Project Manager at the Office of Administration

Provides assistance and support to the Director, handles correspondence, and responds to administrative tasks. Is involved in scheduling, document management, information provision, meeting preparation, and minute writing. Manages the preparation, agenda, and documentation for executive board meetings and handles the writing of minutes, record keeping in the information system, and follow-up.

Email – gunnlaugur.sverrisson@reykjavik.is

Halla Hallgrímsdóttir – Head of Division for Finance and Operations

Leads a team of finance experts and has overall oversight of the Office's projects. Manages the daily operations of the Office and prioritizes tasks in consultation with the Head of Office. Leads projects related to the Department's financial planning and settlements and prepares matters for the Welfare Council. Serves as the substitute for the Head of Office for Finance and Operations.

Email – halla.hallgrimsdottir@reykjavik.is

Heiðrún Una Unnsteinsdóttir – Project Manager in the Performance and Quality Assessment Team at the Office of Administration 
Handles the preparation, execution, and analysis of surveys in the field of disability, as well as the presentation and dissemination of results. Also participates in other team projects.

Email – heidrun.una.unnsteinsdottir@reykjavik.is;

Helga Jóna Benediktsdóttir – Lawyer at the Office of Administration

Provides legal advice to employees of Reykjavík City's Department of Welfare regarding matters related to the Department's operations. Handles administrative affairs received from public bodies or individuals, creation of rules for Reykjavík City, involvement in legal competency cases, writing of opinions, as well as other occasional tasks.

Email – helga.jona.benediktsdottir@reykjavik.is

Helga Sigurjónsdóttir – Head of Division for Housing and Residential Services

Provides professional leadership, development, and innovation in housing and residential services (general social housing, housing for the homeless, and transitional homes). Acts as a liaison with Félagsbústaðir and the Centers of the Department of Welfare concerning general social housing, housing for the homeless, and transitional homes. Is responsible for consultation and collaboration with stakeholders within the City, users, and interested parties in the area of responsibility.

Email – helga.sigurjonsdottir@reykjavik.is

Hildur Kristín Friðleifsdóttir – Lawyer at the Office of Administration

Provides legal counsel to employees at Reykjavík City's Department of Welfare on issues related to the Department's activities, particularly in relation to data protection. Is involved in legal competency cases, along with other occasional tasks.

Email – hildur.fridleifsdottir@reykjavik.is

Hildur Hrönn Oddsdóttir – Project Manager for Educational Affairs

Leads the development of educational matters in the Department of Welfare. Is responsible for needs assessment, policy development, and organizing continuous education, overseeing the Department's educational matters in accordance with the City's Welfare and Training Plan. Oversees the implementation of the City's new electronic education system within the Department of Welfare. Provides advice and assistance to managers regarding continuous education. Participates in educational working groups within the Department and the City administration. Manages the analysis of education needs for Department of Welfare staff, organization and setup of educational projects according to Welfare Policy, responsibility for events related to educational matters and assists welfare personnel with the use of the city's education website - Torgið. Additionally, handles communication with educational providers, institutions, professional development funds, and others linked to education.

Email – hildur.hronn.oddsdottir@reykjavik.is

Hólmfríður Helga Sigurðardóttir – Public Relations Officer of the Department of Welfare

Disseminates news about the decisions, operations, services, and innovations in the field of welfare. Manages communication with the media and advises administrators on their coverage. Participates in event planning, manages the department's social media, takes care of writing, proofreading, and other information dissemination tasks, whether for residents, stakeholders, or Department of Welfare staff. Hólmfríður's phone number is 821 4241.

Email – holmfridur.helga.sigurdardottir@reykjavik.is

Inga Borg – Finance Specialist

Specialist in specific financial items. Expertise in financial assistance and special housing support. Responsible for forecasting and its development based on economic indicators. Handles variance analysis and settlements. Manages travel authorizations, invoicing, transfers, and the recording and administration of contracts and support.

Email – inga.borg@reykjavik.is

Jónína Rósa Hjartardóttir – In charge of the coffee lounge – on leave

Email – jonina.rosa.hjartardottir@reykjavik.is

Karel Fannar Sveinbjörnsson – Finance Specialist

Works on the financial planning of the Department of Welfare, as well as creating forecasts and analyses for its area of responsibility. Oversees the settlement and processing of subsistence loans and reconciliations. Handles the reporting of withholding tax and taxable wages to Iceland Revenue and Customs, as well as the processing and submission of pay statements. Liaises with the Division of Information Technology regarding computer-related matters.

Email – karel.fannar.sveinbjornsson@reykjavik.is

Katrín Harpa Ásgeirsdóttir – Project Manager at the Office for Disabled People's Affairs

Leads the consultation team across the City's Centers on the implementation of regulatory support for disabled people, provides advice and support to division heads regarding issues of disabled people, manages agreements on user-driven personal assistance, collaborates with the department's lawyers on creating regulations for services provided to disabled people and participates in collaboration groups both within and outside the City.

Email – katrin.harpa.asgeirsdottir@reykjavik.is

Katrín Þórdís Jacobsen – Head of Children and Family Affairs

Provides professional leadership, development, and innovation in the field of children and family affairs. Leads the implementation of the Welfare Policy for children and families in collaboration with the managers and staff of Centers and teams. Responsible for the supervision and follow-up in the area of responsibility. Is responsible for consultation and collaboration with stakeholders within the City, users, and interested parties in the area of responsibility.

Email – katrin.thordis.jacobsen@reykjavik.is

Kristín Ösp Jónsdóttir – Lawyer at the Office of Administration

Provides legal advice to employees of Reykjavík City's Department of Welfare regarding matters related to the Department's operations. Handles administrative affairs received from public bodies or individuals, creation of rules for Reykjavík City, involvement in legal competency cases, writing of opinions, as well as other occasional tasks.

Email – kristin.osp.jonsdottir@reykjavik.is

Kristín Pétursdóttir – Finance Specialist

Oversees the settlement of the Department of Welfare and development of new methods. Works on the Department's monthly, quarterly, and annual settlements. Manages review and supervision of operations and maintains processes. Also oversees the fee schedule of the Department of Welfare as well as having expertise in gender budgeting, and works on creating the financial plan and equality assessment.

Email – kristin.petursdottir@reykjavik.is

Kristjana Gunnarsdóttir – Head of Office of Counseling Services

Main tasks include policy making, case preparation for the Welfare Council, implementing changes to laws and regulations, comprehensive development in children and family matters, and activity and counseling. Active oversight of operations and establishing quality standards for services in their area of responsibility. Coordinates practices at the City's Centers, serves on the executive board of the Department of Welfare, consults with stakeholders, and participates in working groups inside and outside the City.

Email – kristjana.gunnarsdottir@reykjavik.is

Lilja Petra Ólafsdóttir – Quality Project Manager in Residential Care

Responsible for and leads quality issues in residential care and works on improvement efforts. Responsible for audits and statistics of residential care and oversees evaluation and measurement tools.

Email – lilja.p.olafsdottir@reykjavik.is

Líney Einarsdóttir – Quality and Documentation Project Manager

Manages the quality manual of the Department of Welfare and the production of quality materials, as well as supervising document management in the Department. Participates in the development and implementation of projects and information systems related to quality matters. Conducts presentations and education regarding document and quality issues.

Email – liney.einarsdottir@reykjavik.is

Lorena Honaydi – Oversees the coffee lounge

Email – lorena.honaydi@reykjavik.is

María Jonný Sæmundsdóttir – Human Resources Advisor

Provides managers with advice and assistance on human resources matters, including hiring, labor law, termination, employee rights and obligations, cooperation, communication, and teamwork, and conducts oversight where necessary. Assists managers in making the Department's workplaces desirable and motivating, and supports managers in providing professional leadership. Chairs the safety committee of the Department of Welfare, is the chair of the EKKO (bullying, gender-based and sexual harassment, and other violence) team of the Department of Welfare, and represents the department in the City's safety committees. Responsible for occupational safety and security matters of the Department of Welfare in addition to being responsible for the incident reporting system and advising managers regarding incidents. Works on the development of procedures and the implementation of policies in human resources, participates in teaching and conducting courses related to human resources, and is part of working groups for the Department and the City. Acts as a substitute for the Human Resources Manager. 
Email – maria.jonny.saemundsdottir@reykjavik.is

Maron Kærnested Baldursson – Head of Financial and Operational Affairs

Expert in the Department's salary analysis with a specialization in better working hours for shift work. The head of division advises managers and operations directors at Centers on salary analysis and cost calculations, offering support to others as needed. Works on preparing new projects and integrating them with the City's system.

Email – maron.kaernested.baldursson@reykjavik.is

Ólafía Dögg Ásgeirsdóttir – Team Leader of the Performance and Quality Assessment Team at the Office of Administration

Oversees the execution and prioritization of statistical processing, statistical analyses, surveys, and audits of the Department of Welfare. Management and follow-up of the Green Deal at the Department of Welfare. Participates in the implementation of the Welfare Policy.

Email – olafia.dogg.asgeirsdottir@reykjavik.is;

Ólafía Magnea Hinriksdóttir – Project Manager at the Office of Disabled People's Affairs

Comprehensive development of housing affairs and residential services, with follow-up on the housing development plan. Allocation of housing for disabled people, counseling, and support for managers of group homes and apartment complexes for disabled people. Contact person for the Department of Environment & Planning regarding snow clearing. Contact person for the City's Centers regarding housing issues for disabled people.

Email – olafia.magnea.hinriksdottir@reykjavik.is

Randver Kári Randversson – Project Manager at the Office of Administration

Preparation of data and execution of Welfare Council meetings. Contact person for the preparation of Department of Welfare issues for City Executive Council meetings. Administration and management of Welfare Council grants from the Reykjavik Municipal Treasury and grants from the Reykjavík City Prevention Fund. Handling of administrative tasks.

Email – randver.kari.randversson@reykjavik.is

Rannveig Einarsdóttir – Director of the Department of Welfare

Email - rannveig.einarsdottir@reykjavik.is

Ricardo Mario Villalobos – Head of Finance and Operations

Oversees the development of housing matters in Reykjavík that concern the Department of Welfare. Works closely with other departments of Reykjavík City, Félagsbústaðir Social Housing, and external parties on matters related to the development and improvement of social housing and support for tenants. The division head oversees the creation of the Department's investment plan.

Email – ricardo.m.villalobos@reykjavik.is

Sigrún Skaftadóttir – Head of Activity and Counseling at the Counseling Service Office

Professional leadership, development, and innovation in the areas of financial assistance, counseling, and activity. Leads the implementation of the Welfare Policy for activity and counseling issues in collaboration with managers and staff of Centers and teams. Responsible for the supervision and follow-up in the area of responsibility. Is responsible for consultation and collaboration with stakeholders within the City, users, and interested parties in the area of responsibility.

Email – sigrun.skaftadottir@reykjavik.is

Sonja Hansen – Finance Specialist

Oversees and is responsible for the processing of the Department of Welfare's financial plan. Leads the development of methods and the implementation of new processes in planning. Oversees and supervises the operations of nursing homes under the Department of Welfare and residential care.

Email – sonja.hansen@reykjavik.is

Stefanía Sörheller – Project Manager at the Counseling Service Office

Responsible for cooperation with various entities and associations particularly concerning activity and various prevention aspects. Leads a team that allocates specific resources for children and serves as a contact person with the Centers of the Department of Welfare. Is a member of the 'Together Against Violence' steering group and a contact for the Centers.

Email – stefania.sorheller@reykjavik.is

Þórdís Linda Guðmundsdóttir – Division Head at the Office of Disabled People's Affairs

Deputy office manager. Leads the implementation of the Welfare Policy on disabled people's issues, provides counseling and collaborates with managers on disability matters, cooperates with stakeholders, and communicates with the Equalization Fund regarding contributions to the policy area. Works on development and innovation in the area of disabled people's affairs and participates in working groups both inside and outside the City on disability issues. Sits on the Reykjavík City Accessibility & Consultation Committee and the board of transportation services for disabled people.

Email – thordis.linda.gudmundsdottir@reykjavik.is

Þórhildur Guðrún Egilsdóttir – Division Head at the Office of the Elderly

Deputy office manager. The division head directs and participates in development and policy making projects at the Office. The division head is responsible for the professional work of home support and housing arrangements in private homes. The division head works on the development, innovation, and dissemination of knowledge and information about geriatric affairs.

Email – thorhildur.egilsdottir@reykjavik.is

Þóroddur Þórarinsson – Project Manager at the Office of Disabled People's Affairs

Provides counseling and support to managers of group homes and apartment complexes, monitors residential services of the Department of Welfare, participates in teams for improvements in residential services, and offers advice and support to managers of group homes and apartment complexes for disabled people.

Email – thoroddur.thorarinsson@reykjavik.is

Organization Chart