Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS) is a Catholic Women Religious (Sisters) Association made up of forty-five (45) member Congregations. It was founded in 1958. It is the Association of all women religious Congregations present in Zambia. Membership is drawn from both local and international Congregations. It was formed with the sole purpose of coordinating and supporting the different activities and programs of sisters that meet their diverse needs. It has eleven branches spread throughout the country as well as working committees such as the Prayer Companion, Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation and Mentors and Facilitators and Formation. It also runs Kalundu Study Centre, an International Institute that offers a Formation and Leadership course to Catholic sisters from Zambia and within the African region.

ZAMBIA ASSOCIATION OF SISTERHOODS IS INVITING SUITABLE AND EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS TO FILL THE VACANT POSITION OF SOCIAL WORKER

1. JOB TITLE

1.1 The Social Worker will be under the direct supervision of the Head of Programs.

2. JOB PURPOSE

2.1  Provide a range of social work duties related to counseling and guidance interventions and trainings directed towards enhancing the emotional health and wellbeing among children and families in the communities.

3. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Develop and review care plans for individual children, with participation from the child and their family, helping clients to define goals, plan action and gain insight.

3.2 Monitor on-going care plan implementation in relation to a child’s counseling needs, with special attention to identifying risk issues and communicating these issues to the guardians.

3.3 Contribute to the case management file, including assessments, counseling plans and individual client progress.

3.4 Conduct intake and psychosocial assessments of children.

3.5 Provide specialized and direct therapeutic support for children with problem issues identified.

3.6 Develop interventions to help children with identified problems.

3.7 Deliver training on Psychological First Aid, family counseling, psychosocial support and related topics.

3.8 Provide counseling with the aim to improve the social and emotional functioning of children and their families, maximizing overall community well-being, encouraging children to discuss emotions and experiences.

3.9 Provide group and individual counseling and guidance to children and their families.

3.10 Conduct review for appropriate utilization of services from case intake through to case closure.

3.11 Evaluate children satisfaction and quality of care provided

3.12 Conduct psychosocial and awareness activities

3.13 Oversee the referral to specialized psychological service providers for higher level care and other services as needed.

3.14 Provide regular updates and reports to senior management staff as required;

3.15 Contribute to donor reports as required

3.16 To do any other lawful duties assigned to by the supervisor.

4. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

4.1  General Education and Academic Qualifications:

4.1.1 Grade Twelve (12) Certificate or equivalent

4.2 Professional Qualifications:

4.2.1 Diploma in Social Work, Child Psychology, Psychology, Counseling and Guidance or any related discipline.

4.2.2 Membership with Zambia Counseling Council

4.3 Relevant Job Experience:

4.3.1 Minimum of 2-years work related experience at similar level

5. ADDITIONAL / OTHER SKILLS

5.1 Communication Skills:

5.1.1 Contacts are maintained, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people within and outside the organization.  Routine reports produced.

5.2 Problem Solving Skills:

5.2.1 The role is carried out within a well-defined framework, but problems can arise that require the exercise of sound judgment in solving them by reference to established procedures, priorities and precedents.

5.3 Decision Making Skills

5.3.1 Guidelines and procedures exist on what needs to be done, but there is some freedom to decide methods and priorities.

5.4 Analytical skills:

5.4.1 Analytical skills are required to effectively assess and understand various issues affecting children during the counseling sessions.

6. REQUIREMENTS