Head of Department Social Service Department 100 views0 applications

BACKGROUND

Established in 1992, Rescue Dada Centre has grown into an experienced, registered Charitable Children Institution with the capacity to rescue, rehabilitate, reintegrate and resocialise 70 street girls every year and successfully returns former street connected girls into a conducive family environment, where their basic needs are met and they feel a sense of belonging through a secure attachment to caring adults.

JOB PURPOSE

The Heads of the Social Service Department, reporting to the programme manager, is responsible for directly managing the operational activities, the 4 staff (30%) in the department and at the same time works on the operational level (70%) as a Social Worker, implementing social work activities conducted as part of Rescue Dada Centre’s Child Protection Programme; this will involve coordinating a multidisciplinary team of a social worker, counselor and empowerment officer and respective caseload according to RDC Standard Operating Procedures; supporting vulnerable girls and their families, and help improve outcomes in their lives; maintaining professional relationships and act as guide and advocate for children’s rights.

S/he will treat children with respect, sensitivity and affection and will maintain discipline without recourse to physical punishment. S/he has to be flexible as the requirements vary according to the situation at the project and the psychosocial needs of the children under rehabilitation and must be committed to the promotion of children’s rights.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Management:

• Develop and coordinate implementation of quarterly departmental work plans;
• Assure that the department budget is adhered to, available funds spent in time and according to the finance policy requirements;
• Assure operational staff take over responsibility of their case load, fill out all necessary (case) documentation, work according to RDC Standard Operating Procedures;
• Chair fortnightly Departmental Meetings to discuss the progress of activities undertaken by the department, manage and if necessary, revise the department’s work plan;
• Assure that staff collects all necessary information for monitoring progress;
• Assure that the department database is up to date at all times and information entered by the staff correct;
• Together with the Programme Manager assure that any relevant departmental information and deviation of achievements are recorded, analysed, communicated and if necessary respective measures taken;
• Produce monthly progress reports for the department to be shared in the monthly programme management meetings;
• Work with the programme management to prepare bi-annual reports for donors;
• Report the relevant data monthly to the government;
• Supervise and appraise department staff.

Implementation:

• Regular street visits, rescue and admission of street connected girls from abusive environments in Nairobi and its surroundings, and complete all admission paperwork.
• Assessment of girls well-being, case assessment and identification future caregiver; this involves visiting possible future homes and assessing their livelihood status.
• Support to the counsellors during rehabilitation of the girls in the Centre.
• Cooperation with the Empowerment Officer to assure the holistic progress and development of girl and future caregiver.
• Reintegration of rehabilitated girls into identified family settings; this will involve accompanying the child home, conducting family therapy at the point of reintegration, and enrolling the child in the local school.
• Conduct regular physical and phone follow up visits to reintegrated girls.
• Networking with relevant Stakeholders, i.e. other CCIs, NGOs, Government Institutions.

Team Work:

• Stir Team work in the department and through utilizing synergies with other RDC departments/programmes to ensure quality and holistic care for all girls enrolled in Rescue Dada Centre’s Child Protection Programme.
• Responsible to coordinate the case load and the assigned multidisciplinary team to ensure quality and holistic care for all girls enrolled in Rescue Dada Centre’s Child Protection programme.
• Undertake any other activities falling under the Child protection programme, as needed.
• Provide back-up support to colleagues during implementation

Education and Experience required:

• Minimum of a Degree in Social work or community development.
• At least two (2) years’ relevant work experience in social work and a leadership position.
• Solid understanding of children’s rights and their promotion through social services activities.
• Sound knowledge of the Case Management Approach.
• Sound knowledge of Child Safeguarding and Child Protection.
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships /networking.
• Sound knowledge of computer packages.
• Knowledge of Counselling would be of advantage.
• Knowledge of Child Status Index would be of advantage.

EXPECTED CORE COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ATTITUDE:

• Effective coordination and team leadership skills;
• Sensitive, respectful and responsible handling of the girls and their families;
• Assertiveness;
• Sound Communication skills – empathic communicator, motivator;
• Analytical, problem-solving skills;
• Organized, accurate, independent and result driven working style;
• Ability to develop detailed work plans and respective budgets, and deliver on them for development results;
• Will need to be flexible and understanding;
• Reliable, honest and sincere work attitude;
• Respect for Diversity;
• Professionalism;
• Must be prepared to work in potentially high risk environments;
• Must have certificate of good conduct.