Job Description

JOB VACANCY

The Aberdeen Women’s Centre (AWC) in Freetown provides a broad variety of free services to the women,  teenagers and children of Sierra Leone. The hospital offers the only comprehensive fistula repair service in the  country, has the second busiest maternity unit in the country, boasts an Outpatient Children’s Clinic which  treats 20,000 children annually and runs an educational support program for teenage mothers including family  planning.

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

Position: Social worker / Counsellor

Job Location: Aberdeen Freetown

Department: Programmes

Reports to: Programmes Manager

Job Overview

The CSW will report to the Programmes Manager to design and deliver specialized counseling 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.

 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  counseling 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.

Personal 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 behavior;

 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.

 Holds a minimum qualification of a Diploma in Social Work Studies or in a specialty in patient and  guidance counseling;

 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.

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 Friday, 4^th March 2022.

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

Note:

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.