Social Worker at Lutheran World Federation

Overall Purpose/Broad Function:

• Supporting the Community Services Officer, the Social Worker is responsible for providing services to beneficiaries in Dadaab refugee camps and the host community while working closely with other LWF sectors to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach is observed in the provision of services to these vulnerable groups. S/he will update and maintain the database for beneficiaries as well as supervise the community staff in implementing project activities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support carrying out assessments of potential beneficiaries to establish individual needs and inform on appropriate support
• Maintain links with community leaders and provide timely and accurate information on all services to the community
• Capacity build community social service workers in all their duties
• Conduct outreach services to identify and facilitate assistance to vulnerable persons in the community
• Facilitate interagency referrals for vulnerable individuals as well as carry out follow-ups and provide prompt feedback on referred cases to responsible agencies
• Establish and maintain a database of beneficiaries that are assessed and reached with services
• Supervise and participate in the distribution of basic Non-Food Items (NFIs) to vulnerable persons including keeping records of all distributed NFIs and a list of bona fide beneficiaries in hard and soft copies.
• Establish networks and maintain links with other stakeholders for purposes of advocating for support and assistance to vulnerable persons with specific needs
• Collaborate with other team members in the implementation of the project activities
• Participate in preparing periodic reports, and development of concept notes and proposals as required by the department
• Participate in the weekly planning meetings for the sector
• Keep an inventory of departmental items
• Observe and enforce accountability policies and procedures in the implementation of project activities
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the Community Service sector and the organization.

Education/Professional Designations/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Sociology, Community development or related field
• At least 3 years of progressive experience as a Social Worker
• Knowledge of Somali Language is a must

Other Specific Skill Requirements:

• Experience working with older persons, youth, women, children and other most at-risk persons with specific needs
• Basic knowledge and proven experience in counselling
• Proven experience and proficiency in use of MS Office.
• Excellent communication, time management, organization, analytical, training, presentation and report writing skills
• Proven experience and skills in management of data and sensitive information
• High level of motivation, integrity, commitment and professional responsibility
• Ability to accommodate cultural, educational and religious diversity in the work place

Success Factors:

• A clear understanding of the Social Worker's functions, ethics, and confidentiality, as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with LWF World Service and donor policies and procedures
• High level of dependability and productivity at the workplace
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• A demonstrated ability to work well as a team player with a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and tolerance
• A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines, and process information
• High level of accountability, honesty, transparency and professional integrity
• Promoting teamwork within the organization while working with other colleagues.

Covering responsibilities:

• Carry out responsibilities for other staff in the social unit across the camps as directed by the sector lead
• Represent the organization in meetings and/or trainings as required by the sector that are relevant to the PSN program