JOB VACANCY

The Aberdeen Women’s Centre (AWC) is a Non-Governmental charitable hospital located in Aberdeen, Freetown providing free surgical services to the women of Sierra Leone for correction of disorders arising from protracted labor; we are also providing free maternity services and an outpatient pediatric clinic for children between birth and fifteen years old.

For its operations, AWC is looking for qualified Sierra Leoneans to fill the following position:

Position:       Social Worker

Job Type:       Full time

Job Location:       Aberdeen Freetown

Department:      Program

Reports to:       Program Manager

Purpose of the Role

The CSW will report to the Programmes Manager to design and deliver specialized counselling services and provide crucial support to AWC’s teenage girls, fistula patients, SGBV survivors and in-facility patients. The CSW will predominately work with AWC’s teenage girls and SGBV survivors in case management and information filing. The CSW will monitor all court cases of AWC’s SGBV survivors and liaise with partners including the Family Support Unit and Ministry of Social Welfare to ensure the child’s welfare and care is upheld to the highest standard.

Main Responsibilities and Duties:

• With the support of Programmes Manager, monitor all SGBV cases closely and provide them with the support they need including attending all court sittings.
• The CSW will provide extensive and timely reports to the Programmes Manager regarding each court sitting.
• Provide regular therapeutic and guidance counselling services to teenage girls, fistula patients, SGBV survivors and in-facility patients
• Do daily routine checks with Maternity and Fistula Units to identify patients counselling needs
•  Enhance coping capacities of patients challenged with feelings of loss, grief, family disorder, depression, anxiety disorder
• Conduct case and background profiling on identified less privilege teenage girls booked into the AWC teenage program
• With support from the Programmes Manager, facilitate the family reunification process for child rape victims, ensuring AWC’s protocols are adhered to regarding discharging a child rape victim to keep the child’s safety and welfare the priority
• Prepare detailed notes and monthly progressive reports on all activities completed, including counselling sessions
• Support the team at the AWC Skill Training Centre (AWC STC) and liaise between the parents and girls whilst they are participating
• Do other assigned jobs as required

Personnel Specifications Required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Holds a minimum qualification of a Diploma in Social Work Studies or in a specialty in patient and guidance counselling
• At least three (3) years demonstrated knowledge and skills in counselling services
•  At least two (2) years practical knowledge in residential care and guidance counselling
• 1-2 years’ previous experience working for an NGO/humanitarian work, preferably in maternal and sexual reproductive health
• Shows an in-depth understanding of local child protection regulations
• Knowledgeable in cultural competence and the process of patient growth

Desired Attributes:  

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Have an excellent knowledge of gender-based violence, maternal health and women’s rights
• Have a positive and friendly attitude towards multiple cultural groups
• Capable to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour
• Think decisively to inform and communicate professional judgments
• Ability to communicate clearly with skills to promote teamwork and partnership
• Completely fluent in Krio and English. Other local languages are welcomed
• The ability to develop a non-judgmental approach
• An understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Excellent organizational and note-keeping skills
• Demonstrated ability to be resourceful.

How to apply

Applicants should send their CV (max 4 pages) and a one page Cover Letter to the Human Resources and Admin Manager, Aberdeen Women’s Centre via email to

awc.recruitment@aberdeenwomenscentre.org

with the subject line “Social Worker” not later than Tuesday 10th January 2023.

We are an equal opportunities employer”.  Women are strongly encourage to apply.

Note:

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.