Community Case Worker (Child Protection) at Search For Common Ground’s International

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Duration: 13 months (with possibility of extension dependent on performance and funding)

Position Summary

• A Community Case Worker to supports the direct implementation of the “Supporting the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Groups, and other vulnerable children, in North East Nigeria” project by undertaking regular follow up of beneficiary children and their caregivers to better understand their needs and ensure they receive the necessary support and coordination required. This will support beneficiary children achieve social, emotional, educational and economic outcomes to meet the project objective.
• In addition the Community Case Worker will work closely with Community Mobilising Officers and Assistants to mobilise beneficiary children for required activities and trainings. The Community Case Worker will establish healthy, professional and supportive relationships with children in their community and ensure support extends to all beneficiary children.
• The Community Case Worker will work closely with all team members including Case Management Assistants, Case Management Officer, Community Mobilisers, Education Officers, Enterprise Officers, in addition to the Deputy Program Manager and Child Protection Manager.

Reports to:

• Supervisor: Case Management Officer.
• Functional Line Manager: Deputy Project Manager.
• Direct Line Manager: Child Protection Manager.

Working Relations:

• Case Management Assistants, Case Management Officer, Community Mobilising Officers and Assistants, Enterprise Officers and Assistants, Education Officers and Assistants, Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Deputy Project Manager, and Child Protection Manager.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to child safeguarding and Code of Conduct. Ensure Child Protection Principles upheld including best interest of the child and do no harm.
• Direct work with children, young people and families to identify their needs and ensure they receive the necessary support and coordination to achieve social, emotional, educational and economic outcomes.
• Ensure all stages of case management process implemented to a high standard including registration, needs assessment, case plan, referral, follow up and review, and case closure.
• Ensure hard copy files are accurately completed and stored safely.
• Promote active participation of children, caregivers, and communities in all casework to ensure it is strength and solution focused.
• Ensure case work respects the culture and context of each child.
• Undertake ongoing assessments to identify and address changing needs and any safety concerns for children to ensure they are protected. Escalate any concerns to Case Management Officer.
• Establish clear communication with children to support in building supportive relationships to promote positive change, well-being and safety.
• Provide basic psychological first aid and psycho-social support to children and families to support them return to normalcy after experiencing adversity.
• Ensure casework takes place within practice and legislative frameworks communicated.
• Share accurate case information with Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) Assistant and Case Management Officer in a timely manner using hard copy case management tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Engage children and families to capture stories if consent/ assent provided and share with Deputy Project Manager and Child Protection Manager as required.
• Facilitate referrals to relevant services if required.
• Develop and maintain networks and relationships with key stakeholders to deliver appropriate services for children, young people and families.
• Participate in training and orientation activities.
• Conduct quarterly review sessions with children to identify what is working well and what needs to be improved.
• Update Deputy Project Manager and Child Protection Manager of any changes in the environment and security on an ongoing basis.
• As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Qualifications
Education:

• University degree, Diploma or equivalent in Social Work, Psychology, Law or Sociology.

Required Experience:

• Successful completion of a Community Health Worker formal training program such as from a college or other education institution preferred.
• Experience working with children, in particular Children Associated with Armed Groups.
• Knowledge of types of child abuse and their impact (violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation).
• Excellent ability to develop positive helping relationships with children and caregivers.
• Written and spoken fluency in Hausa, Kanuri and English language. Experience working in a multi-cultural/religious setting.
• Experience working in a community-based setting for at least 1 to 2 years preferred.
• Basic computer, IT and communication skills.
• Ability to initiate and maintain positive working relationships.
• Excellent ability to accurately record information captured.