Child Protection Social worker

SOS Children’s Villages International is the umbrella organization to which all SOS Children’s Villages including SOS Children’s Villages Somalia Association is affiliated. SOS Children’s Villages Somalia has officially been working in Somalia since 1985. SOS is currently working in 134 countries worldwide. We are committed to the welfare of children – often throughout the whole of their childhood, and to strengthening families and communities as a preventive measure in the fight against abandonment and social neglect. We also run education and health facilities. With the SOS Children’s Village concept, the organization pioneered a family approach to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children. SOS Children’s Villages upholds child protection policy and our selection processes reflect our commitment to the protection of children and youth from abuse. Banadir Region (Heliwa, Wadajir, Dharkenley and Dayninle districts) southwest-state (Baidoa, Burhakaba, Berdale,Baraawe, El Barde,Qansaxdheere, Diinssor and Hudur) and Hirshabelle State (Jowhar, Adale & Balcad).

SOS Children’s Villages invites applications from suitably qualified and interested candidates who fulfill the eligibility criterion for the below position.

The Child Protection Social Worker provides child-centred, family-focused and quality child protection services to children at risk of or affected by abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, family separation, harmful practices and other protection concerns.

The Social Worker manages individual cases in line with organizational SOPs, national child protection procedures, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and relevant UNICEF and child protection standards. The role covers the full case management cycle: identification, screening, assessment, case planning, referral, service coordination, follow-up, review and case closure, while upholding the best interests of the child, confidentiality, participation, non-discrimination and do-no-harm principles.

• Identify and register children requiring protection support through CFSs, community outreach, health facilities, schools, referrals and self-referrals.
• Conduct initial screening, safety/risk assessments and comprehensive child-friendly assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans with children and caregivers, where appropriate.
• Conduct regular follow-up, case reviews and reassessments according to the child's needs and level of risk.
• Facilitate safe and timely referrals and coordinate with relevant service providers.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records.
• Ensure appropriate case closure and post-closure follow-up where required.

• Build respectful and trusting relationships with children and caregivers.
• Ensure children's meaningful participation in decisions affecting them.
• Use age-appropriate and child-friendly communication.
• Strengthen caregiver capacity and promote safe family- and community-based solutions.

• Respond to cases involving UASC, family separation, abuse, neglect, exploitation, child marriage, FGM, child labour, children associated with armed groups, trafficking, disability-related protection risks, displacement and other protection concerns.

• Ensure specialized cases, including GBV and sexual violence, are managed according to relevant SOPs and referral pathways.

• Identify, assess and support UASC and children at risk of separation.
• Facilitate family tracing, reunification and appropriate alternative care.
• Monitor children following reunification and ensure all decisions are based on the best interests of the child.

• Provide basic PSS and psychological first aid within the scope of competence.
• Identify and refer children requiring specialized MHPSS services.
• Monitor children's psychosocial well-being through case management.

• Maintain complete and confidential case files and databases.
• Document assessments, case plans, referrals, follow-up, reviews and closures.
• Ensure responsible data protection and need-to-know information sharing.
• Prepare timely case management and activity reports and contribute to analysis of emerging protection risks.

• Support child protection awareness and prevention activities.
• Strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms and referral pathways.
• Work closely with CP, GBV, PSS, CFS, health and other relevant teams.
• Participate in case conferences and service mapping.

• Comply with safeguarding policies, Code of Conduct and professional standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Apply best interests, child participation, informed consent/assent, non-discrimination and do-no-harm principles.
• Report safeguarding concerns through established mechanisms and ensuring inclusive services for children with disabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences, Child Protection, Public health, Community Development or a related field.
• Minimum 2–3 years of relevant experience in child protection, social work or case management.
• Demonstrated experience in child protection case management, assessment, case planning, referrals, follow-up and case closure.
• Experience working with UASC, vulnerable children, families and communities in humanitarian settings is highly desirable.
• Experience with NGOs/INGOs, community-based protection structures and UN-supported programmes is an advantage.

Interested applicants should send their applications with a CV and scanned copies of the academic and professional certificates to this link.

"Applicants are requested to indciate the position title and location in the subject of their applications"

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.