Social Worker at Still I Rise

Job Description 

Still I Rise, an international NGO that works on the development and implementation of humanitarian projects aimed at the education and support of refugee children and teenagers, is looking for a School Counsellor to join its current staff in Nairobi, Kenya.  

At Still I Rise we believe that every child deserves high quality education, and that it is never too late for any student to thrive and build a successful future.

With a safe and welcoming environment in our schools, constant support, tailored learning and behavioral plans, our staff make sure children are supported in their learning.

The selected person will join the team and will be responsible for helping implement our safeguarding systems, protection policies and PSS strategies. They will also be a key figure at the heart of our student selection process, responsible for liaising with community figures, families and institutional representatives across Nairobi in order to identify and verify potential future students.

Candidates should be proactive and caring professionals, skilled in effective communication with children and adults from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Evolve our mapping of in-need children who would be suitable candidates for the free high quality schooling of Still I Rise International School of Nairobi
• Reach out across Nairobi in-person and via calls to develop a network of community figures, families and institutional stakeholders who can refer children to our selection process
• Diligently track all significant progress and the details of potential candidates
• Conduct family Interviews for onboarding students and update their records in the provided system. 
• Conduct home visit to assess the students  needs and develop strategies to support families
• Work to maximize coping skills for students in difficult situations
• Offer mentorship programs for students under the guidance of the Child Protection Officer
• Support the Child Protection officer in identifying problems in the school setting, such as bullying or aggressive behavior
• Promote the general well-being of students
• Work with outside agencies to provide support to families in support of the Advocacy Officer 
• In cooperation with the Child Protection Officer, train and supervise all staff on Still I Rise’s Child Protection and Safeguarding policies 
• Follow up, together with CSP Officer and School Director, any referral of child protection concerns as well as child safeguarding issues
• Support the CSP Officer in networking and liaising with Child Protection external actors (i.e. organizations, groups, individuals).
• Support the School Director in the creation of referral pathways for students and families in cooperation with the Community liaison Officer
• Conduct outreach work with the families of enrolled students, providing detailed records. 
• Promote the engagement of parents/carers in the School and contribute to the effective and efficient delivery of information, advice and support to parents/carers of students
• Support community-based activities such as structured life skills sessions, workshops and community-led events, under the guidance of Child protection Officer
• Other duties at the school as agreed upon with School Leadership

Essential Skills and Requirements: 

• Degree in a specialist technical or professional field relevant to role e.g Social work, child protection
• Registered Member of Kenya National Association of Social workers (KNASW)
• Experience with case management and referrals
• Experience working with vulnerable and traumatized children and teenagers 
• Experience working with displaced / asylum seeking children
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities
• Commitment and willingness to work in a challenging environment
• High level of accountability over work
• Provision of creative solutions 
• Excellent communication skills, both writing and speaking. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good IT skills including use of MS Office, Google Drive and Slack. 
• Fluency in English
• Minimum 23 years old
• Completion of CRB/Background check (if applicable)

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Experience in the education sector or working within a school setting
• Knowledge of the relevant protection actors in the region
• Experience working in a non-profit environment