Case Worker (REPOST)

The Case Worker will report to the Case Management and Psychotherapy Manager­

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm

Saturday - 9am to 2pm

Additionally, Management may request up to 8 extra work hours/week.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Ensure quality, holistic care is provided to each child in our care by initiating and facilitating collaboration between caregivers, educators, psychotherapists, service providers, etc.; arranging necessary care, activities, and interventions; and following up on initiatives.
• Monitor, guide, advise and support children and caregivers throughout the duration of the stay of the children.
• Communicate and collaborate with HR and the Residential Supervisor to determine development steps for employees with respect to child protection, care, and healing.
• Be proactive in identifying opportunities to better support children through improving processes, systems, etc.
• Work as a member of a team ensuring fluid communication of relevant information in order to make sure that the best care possible is provided for children residing with us.
• Cooperate with HR to facilitate awareness sessions for groups (awareness sessions for children, guidance to caregivers and educators).
• Cultivate continuous self-care, recognizing one’s own needs, limits and signs of burn out.
• Ensure that child protection principles are understood, maintained and enforced within the organization:
  • Train new staff in areas of child protection.
  • Ensure child protection concerns identified by staff members are raised and addressed.
  • Share relevant information regarding child protection needs/gaps with Program Manager.
  • Report any violation of the Child Safety policy to the Program Manager and Home of Hope Director.
  • Participate in the child protection working group on a monthly basis.
• Provide case-management to children at Home of Hope including:
  • Manage cases in line with the national practical guidelines and Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs)
  • Conduct initial assessments for child protection cases.
  • Assess and prioritize cases according to risk level.
  • Based on the needs identified through the assessment, develop a case management plan, through child participation and according to the best interest of the child such that cases are closed within a set time frame.
  • Make sure all options are explored before deciding on a plan. Look for options when the services needed are not available.
  • Advocate with different institutions and services providers to help children access needed resources and services.
  • Identify, refer and follow up on all services and ensure action points are carried out within the agreed timeframe.
  • Monitor progress of each child by regularly reviewing and adjusting action plan to ensure progress.
  • Document cases using case notes and update the database on or before the first day of the work week to ensure comprehensive recording of each case.
  • Manage, fill, and archive specific forms for profile cases, referral and report weekly to ensure confidentiality, accuracy and timeliness.
  • Ensure data collection and storage is done in a manner that maintains Child Protection policy and Data Protection Protocol of Home of Hope.
  • Ensure proper filing and information keeping (storing files of past residents, scanning and storing documents in electronic form, backing up electronic files.
  • Conduct home visits.
  • Work directly with other caseworkers and service providers on management of caseload and referral.
  • Provide weekly updates on cases to the Program Manager.
• File relevant reports in a timely manner:
  • Formulate monthly reports on the follow up with UPEL and MoSA, referrals, child protection/child safety incidents and concerns, awareness sessions and group intervention.
  • Formulate accurate quarterly bills to be submitted to MoSA; cc administrative assistant and accountant on all related emails/documents.
  • CC Managing Director on all related outgoing emails/documents.
• Maintain up-to-date relevant resources, policies, procedures, and relationships:
  • Provide mapping of the available services and organizations operating in the area and take proactive steps to remain informed about the available services.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including INGOs and local agencies, community leaders and service providers in areas of implementation.
  • Keep an updated document of standard procedures for the organization, describing steps and stages of care from the time a child arrives to the time they depart.
  • Deliver regular relevant updates to necessary team members at required meetings at least once per month.
• Act according to the guiding principles of Child Protection case management including
  • taking a child-centred approach
  • respecting confidentiality
  • prioritizing according to safety concerns
  • acting on a ‘do not harm’ basis
  • ensuring a non-discriminatory approach
  • acting according to the best interest of the child
  • ensuring accountability
  • respecting professional boundaries and avoid conflict of interest
• Participate in all trainings, weekly meetings, etc.
• Maintain agreed upon schedule except in extreme cases.
• Support the organization of specific events or activities inside or outside the center.
• Be available to provide basic emotional support for urgent cases.
• Comply with Home of Hope policies and practices with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Perform any other duties relating to the nature of the job as directed by the Program Manager

Qualifications/Requirements:

Knowledge and Experience

• Accredited social work degree or other social science degree;
• Minimum 2 years of experience in case management in Lebanon;
• Good understanding of the local context and social welfare and legal system for child protection services in Lebanon;
• Previous experience working with children/refugees/vulnerable populations;
• Proven experience engaging with different target groups from all backgrounds (children, families, local and international organization, government, etc.).

Qualities and Competencies

• Willingness to continue learning about child trauma and recovery beyond what is already known or observed. (We intend holistic, therapeutic care for the children in our care, suitable for those with attachment disorders, and survivors of both trauma and early developmental trauma. We aim to stay abreast of developments and practices in this field.)
• Nurturing personal characteristics including patience, kindness, empathy, flexibility, and a pre-existing desire to help kids grow
• Ability to maintain the above characteristics in times of stress, as modeling these characteristics is critical for our children and our staff.
• Initiates building relationships between self and all team members, regardless of role in the.
• Team-player who initiates relationship growth between self and others and actively builds up and encourages staff members regardless of role in the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of children at all times;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Flexibility in working overtime when needed
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn new computer programs)
• Strong communication skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to respect given deadlines and prioritize work accordingly
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative
• Child-friendly approach
• Fluency in Arabic
• Strong English skills
• Cultural sensitivity
• Significantly mobile; moves freely and has stamina for stairs, youth, and activities
• Owns a vehicle they are willing to use for field work (with appropriate compensation)