Job Description
The Rift Valley Children’s Fund (RVCF) is seeking an experienced Social Worker to live and work at the Rift Valley Children’s Village. Founded by India Howell and Peter Leon Mmassy in 2004, the Rift Valley Children’s Village operates in partnership with the Tanzanian Children’s Fund (TCF) and is a loving and permanent home to over 100 orphaned and marginalized children in a remote corner of northern Tanzania.
The Social Worker will be a key member of the RVCV Senior Staff and will lead the Social Work team in addressing and supporting the needs of the RVCV children. The Social Worker will report to RVCF’s Director of Operations and Executive Director during regular meetings and work closely with all members of the Social Work team, caretakers, partnered schools, and community members.
Responsibilities and specific duties include, but are not limited to, the below job description. Due to the size and nature of our organization, you may be called to assist in other areas as needed.
The specifics of this job include but are not limited to:
- Maintain files on all RVCV and program-related kids.
- Provide training to staff on topics related to child welfare.
- Day-to-day general supervision, including adherence to daily schedule. Examples: ensuring that all kids get up and are prepared for school each morning, checking backpacks, performing chores before and after school, and supporting the house mothers when there are problems.
- Oversee evening study hall – check that everyone is present, track down those absent, and confirm that everyone has returned to their house at the end of study hall.
- Ensure the safety and security of our kids by discouraging inappropriate behaviors, ensuring that they follow all rules, and ensuring that everyone is accounted for after school, during study hall, and a daily curfew.
- Communicate kids’ progress and any concerns with the Executive Director and Director of Operations in a timely manner
- Closely collaborate with RVCV’s Housemothers and Volunteer Coordinator regarding any discipline issues that are noted.
- Model and teach organization and time management skills.
- Meet students when kids return from school to be sure everyone is accounted for and headed home for a bath, house chores, and free time.
- Develop and supervise activities for kids on weekends, evenings, and vacations. Collaborate with the volunteer coordinator to include volunteers for support when possible (examples: games, walks, dances, inter-house competitions)
- Escort children on off-site trips and activities (examples: medical appointments, field trips, market days, evening events)
- Liaise with other Social Workers, RVCV Staff and Volunteers, and the District Social Welfare Office to ensure all children’s homes requirements are being met.
Parenting / Mentoring
- Maintain frequent and open communication with our kids; report any concerns or issues to RVCV’s Senior Staff. Follow through via one-on-one meetings with the kid in question if this is deemed necessary.
- Collaborate with other RVCV Social Workers and Youth Work Intern to create content for discussions with our kids around social-emotional topics and mental health issues; including but not limited to, coping mechanisms, identity, shame, guilt, and transitioning to young adulthood.
- Routinely check uniforms to be sure that all teens have what they need (and what they have been given) for school. Follow up on missing items until it is resolved.
- Oversee and carry out any punishments (extra chores, missing a fun activity, loss of TV privileges, etc.) deemed necessary for kids when they have broken rules.
- Schedule and follow up on work details for kids who need to earn money to replace lost items.
- Mediate disputes and encourage positive conflict resolution techniques
- Schedule one-on-one discussions with each student during school vacations in order to monitor school performance, goals, problems and issues
- Encourage and assist with regular study sessions during vacation
- Coordinate with RVCV’s Youth Work Intern, and Clinical Officer to conduct regular health education and adolescent health sessions. Be comfortable and available to answer questions and dispel any myths.
- Visit Gyetighi Primary School and/or Oldeani Secondary School twice each month (or as needed) to check in with the discipline and academic masters to determine if any of our kids are exhibiting bad behavior or need extra support. Report findings in morning meetings and also speak one-on-one with any of our children having problems at school until the issue is resolved.
- Collaborate with other Social Workers to provide support to post-secondary students with career counseling, school search, expense tracking, job search, professional training, and launching for graduates.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work required
- At least one year of experience working with kids; 2 years preferred
- A love for working with kids
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Possess effective leadership skills to model for all kids and staff
- Ability to identify problems and think creatively to develop solutions
- Demonstrate competency and understanding of best practices in working with kids
- Comfortable working and living in a rural area
- Ability to work professionally with colleagues across multiple disciplines
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits:
- Monthly salary based on level of experience
- Full Room and Board at RVCV, including your own apartment, three full meals per day, housekeeping and laundry assistance, and transport to Karatu as needed.
- Health coverage for the term of service
- One-month annual leave per year of commitment and National Holidays worked earning a paid day off.
To apply please email Cover Letter and Resume/CV to: arturo@tanzanianchildrensfund.org and selestiandgm@gmail.com with the subject line as Social Worker Application.
Application deadline: July 31st
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