Matron at Freedom Foundation

Job Description

• The matron ensures smooth function of the female rehabilitation centre effectively instilling a culture of love and discipline in managing the clients’ welfare.
• She must also ensure efficient and effective use of resources (space, materials, food items, appliances etc.) minimizing conflict and fostering peaceful co-habitation.
• She must also ensure that the home is sufficiently equipped and resourced to support the number of girls in residence.

Intake Processing:

• Support the intake process by ensuring no overpopulation in the shelter and optimum utilization of resources (bed spaces and welcome kits).
• Welcome new clients into the home, read the house rules to the new intake, and ensure the new intake understands the rules.
• Receive and log new client’s personal belongings, and put into secure and orderly storage, items that would not be required in the house; clients must sign log forms indicating accuracy of items logged.
• Provide each new client with their welcome kit and assign clients to a room, bed, and locker.

House Management:

• Establish the house rules in collaboration with the Program Admin and maintain order in the house
• Send weekly house management report to the Program Admin
• Log all facility management issues appropriately and escalate any requests for repairs within four hours of discovery
• Monitor all movement in the home - ensuring only authorized persons are in the home area; all unauthorized persons are to be escorted back to the office or reception
• Conduct daily walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, safety, and security of the environment.
• Monitor usage of household items and food supplies, ensuring adequate supplies for the number of clients in residence.
• Institute processes (schedules, time tables etc.) for home management to ensure all functions (cooking, cleaning, laundry, washing, etc.) can be conducted in an efficient and effective manner.

Program Support Activities:

• Conduct daily group devotions (prayer and Bible study) which are compulsory for all residents
• Ensure clients strictly observe timetable as set by the Case Worker and Program Admin
• Send a daily shift report to the social worker on client behavior during the shift
• Report all incidents of abuse/neglect/bullying or any negative behavior that impacts the welfare of other clients to the case manager immediately, and log in shift report.

Client Management:

• Supervise client daily chores
• Conduct daily room inspections to ensure cleanliness and ad hoc locker inspections (with a member of security and program staff) for contraband (phone, money, food items, electronics, etc.)
• Distribute household chores among the clients fairly and equitably
• Manage client phone and ensure appropriate and fair use of phone
• Maintain phone log
• Maintain safe custody of clients’ personal items (items brought to the home that clients are not allowed to keep)
• Organize birthday and holiday celebrations for clients
• Resolve disputes among clients and facilitate conflict management
• Respond to health emergencies, performing basic first aid and taking clients to the hospital during out-of-office hours (during office hours this shall be the responsibility of the case manager).

Exit Processing:

• Ensure adequate documentation and Program Manager/Director’s signature on exit clearance form before initiating exit processing.
• Ensure client residential area is clear of all belongings i.e. locker is clear, and that assigned program items have been returned
• Return client possessions, ensuring clients review contents and sign to acknowledge receipt of their items previously kept in storage.

Other Activities:

• Support in monitoring client’s rehabilitation progress.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Make recommendations to Program staff (Admin, case manager, program director) on client welfare and/or house management.
• Assist with completion of necessary reports as requested.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the Program Manager.

Requirements / Experience

• Knowledge of Christian doctrine and values.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in nursing, teaching and counseling,
• Experience with delinquents, troubled children.
• Counselling experience.
• Exposure to victims of violence and/or abuse, drug addicts, etc.