Head of Department Social Service Department at Rescue Dada Centre

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.