Social Worker: SOS Children's Villages Association of Zimbabwe

Deadline: 7 March 2022

Working location: Waterfalls

Supervisor: Alternative Child Care Coordinator

About

Established in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International (CVI) is a dynamic, international social development organization working globally to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children without parental care and those who are at the risk of losing it. SOS Children's Villages Association of Zimbabwe is a member of SOS International - a worldwide children's social welfare organization, providing vulnerable children without homes with a family home and educational opportunities as well as strengthening families to reduce poverty.

Mission

Under the overall supervision of the Alternative Child Care Coordinator, the Social Worker is responsible for the social, psychological and emotional development of the children under family basic care and to follow up the health matters of the children.

Responsibilities

Identify and enrol of programme beneficiaries who meet the criteria; Prepares and submits for approval long- and short-term plans for social services; Formulate, updates and / or recommends policies and procedures governing the development of social service programs, internal regulations of Village disciplinary issues, etc in an effort to properly raise children and prepare them for better adult life and to become responsible members of the society; Directs, coordinates, supervises and performs social welfare programs that are being implemented by the Village; Follows-up, evaluates and recommends measures to be taken in order to improve services to children; Develops and recommends child admission criteria; Initiates, coordinates and provides guidance and counselling services to children and youth at OFFBC, in close cooperation with caregivers; Participates in any child-mother related trainings organized by the National Office; Guides the youth and develops programs to help them easily integrate with the communities; Ensures and encourages the participation of the children and youth in developing programs especially in need assessment undertakings; Collaborates with different external offices on matters of common concern for the provision of better services for the children, attends workshops and meetings as assigned by the Alternative child care program coordinator; Advises mothers to take care of hygiene conditions of each family house and the compound at large; Prepares health related educational packages like HIV / AIDS, sex education, etc and teaches the children and youth by making stratification on age, sex, etc; Advises and assists caregivers in implementing primary health care principles; Ensures that children receive medical attention / first-aid services if they are ill, injured and need medical treatment, refers serious cases to clinics and follows-up referral cases to hospitals; Keeps staff informed regarding health care issues, particularly those issues affecting mothers and children such as family planning, vaccination, HIV / AIDS, nutrition and hygiene; Performs other similar duties as assigned by the Alternative child care program coordinator; Ensures the holistic development of children and youths including physical and behavioral; Ensure the empowerment of families in child care and protection.

Qualifications & competencies

Degree in Social Work and a member of National Association of Social Workers and Council of Social Workers in Zimbabwe; A minimum of 4 years’ experience in implementing Social work Support programmes; Demonstrable commitment to working with children and youth & knowledge in child rights; Strong knowledge of social work theories, practices and procedures and understanding of all pertinent legislation and policies; Strong knowledge in the areas of needs assessment, family dynamics, the impact of trauma, psycho-social functioning theories and practices and child protection theories, models and practices; Extensive experience handling case management, case conferencing and investigation and intervention theories and practices; Good interpersonal, mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills; knowledge of child rights; Organizational, verbal and written communications skills, analytical skills and good computer skills; Flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings and in a cross-cultural environment; Strong Planning and organizing skills