Child Protection Specialist at Church World Service

Primary Purpose: 

This position is responsible for overseeing the case processing of refugee cases that include minor children in vulnerable situations and/or outside of the nuclear family structure. The Specialist ensures that USRAP standard operating procedures are strictly followed and that processing decisions are in the best interest of the minor. This position works closely with the field teams and Programs management. 

Essential Duties: 

• Provides training to RSC staff on minor case processing, minor counselling, child friendly interviewing techniques, and analysis of the BID. 
• Assist the Protection Manager in development, updating and implementation of standard operating procedures for minor processing. 
• Supervise case and pipeline management undertaken by the Protection Unit, focusing on minor caseloads including, unaccompanied minors, and other minor cases with protection concerns. Monitor protection reports to identify urgent minor cases and to move cases more quickly through the pipeline. 
• Monitors weekly minor reports to identify urgent cases and to move cases more quickly through the USRAP pipeline through effective case management and pipeline management. 
• Liaises with UNHCR, PRM, CIS, RPC and RAs on issues related to minors. 
• Represents RSC Africa at Nairobi BID panels and provides technical expertise and training to partners on USRAP minor case processing   
• Determines, in conjunction with other partners, the best resettlement options for all minors. When necessary, counsel’s minors (and their non-parent guardians) about the various resettlement options available, the realities of life in the US, and benefits of the refugee foster care program, etc. 
• Develop and deliver training on protection case processing, including: interviewing minors, completion of minor counselling and the minor questionnaire, analysis of Best Interest Determinations (BIDs), and age appropriate interview techniques.
• Conduct regular training to UNHCR and other referring agencies on USRAP Minor processing.
• Serves as focal point and provides technical expertise for travelling teams during circuit rides, and office based Program staff regarding minor processing.  
• Ensures the completion and quality of all minor questionnaires through regular review and feedback.
• When the child is at immediate risk, coordinates with other partners to ensure appropriate action is taken. 
• Review, update and draft regular reports and analysis and submits quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources. 

Performance Management 

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to Minors section staff, including completion of yearly performance evaluations, development of job descriptions, and participation in hiring. 
• Assist Protection Manager in the evaluation and identification of training needs and, development and implementation of training modules for Protection and Minors section staff. 
• Run quality checks (QC) and provide feedback to staff and/or other departments. 
• Conduct coaching, mentoring, feedback and corrective action plans where necessary. 
• Establish performance expectations and communication, on-boarding and training.
• Review and monitor team and individual progress towards unit goals. 
• Monitor staff time, attendance, leave, and complete timesheets in a timely manner

Staff Care

• Monitor and ensure a safe, healthy and professional work environment.
• Ensure direct reports are accessing and using their benefits appropriately including leave.
• Actively support staff by promoting the safe space, open-door and escalation policy. 
• Establish and communicate clear expectations to staff to foster a predictable and consistent work environment. 
• Monitor staff time, attendance, leave, and ensure accurate timesheets are submitted on a timely manner.  

Qualifications: 

Experience: 

• Five (5) years of paid work experience is required. 
• Two (2) years of direct experience conducting child welfare assessments and familiarity with child protection in refugee contexts is required. 
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Second language an advantage; Somali, French, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili or Arabic preferred. 
• Experience with overseas US Refugee Admissions Program case processing preferred. 

Skills:

• Through knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program and START database. 
• Strong verbal and written English language skills. 
• Demonstrated computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.   
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• High level of professionalism especially with partners.    
• Meticulous attention to detail. 

Education & Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or four (4) years of paid work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree is required. 
• Master’s degree preferred. 

Abilities: 

• Supervise staff to ensure policies and procedures are implemented and executed in accordance with guidelines and standard operating procedures; 
• Exercise good judgment and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems in the field;  
• Maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail, completing tasks within set timeframes; 
• Exercise good judgement and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems;  
• Deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public; 
• Manage large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.
• Maintain the integrity of official records;  
• Analyse and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;  
• Work with minimal supervision
• Maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;  
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;  
• Actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).  
• Be flexible with changing of daily duties as needed.