COMMUNITY WELFARE OFFICER

About the Organisation

Changing Stars Malawi is dedicated to the protection of children and vulnerable individuals. We are seeking a compassionate Community Welfare Officer to join our committed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the well-being, school attendance, and overall progress of students sponsored by CSM.
• Evaluate applications for sponsorship and conduct essential home visits to identify children and families facing vulnerability.
• Provide immediate emotional support and expertly refer more complex situations to appropriate specialists.
• Facilitate the smooth reintegration and educational transitions for students within the school system.
• Contribute to the activities and daily operations at the Community Hub as needed.
• Leverage the Community Hub to identify and offer support to children who may require additional welfare assistance.
• Report significant concerns, any safeguarding issues, and notable achievements to the CSM Senior Leadership Team.
• Collaborate closely with school personnel to monitor student attendance, behaviour, well-being, and any safeguarding concerns.
• Investigate patterns of absence and actively support students at risk of leaving education.
• Engage with teachers and families to pinpoint children who need extra support.
• Monitor the attendance records and academic performance of sponsored university students.
• Lead parenting and well-being workshops for members of the community.
• Assist vulnerable families and mediate issues that impact children's welfare or their educational journey.
• Identify families in need of urgent or specialised assistance and ensure appropriate referrals are made.
• Establish and nurture referral pathways with local support services.
• Maintain precise records of all cases and compile monthly welfare reports.
• Support safeguarding monitoring efforts, data collection, and impact assessment activities.
• Gather compelling case studies and impact stories, ensuring full consent is obtained.
• Contribute to the development of systems for vulnerability assessment and sponsorship monitoring.
• Provide safeguarding and cultural orientation for incoming volunteers and visitors.
• Serve as a designated safeguarding focal point within programmes where required.
• Offer assistance with staff well-being initiatives and conflict resolution when necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Social Work, Community Development, Education, Psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in using standard computer applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive.
• Fluency in both Chichewa and English is essential.
• Desirable experience includes: Any previous educational teaching roles for any age group, setting up, managing, and reporting on the impact of projects, holding a First Aid certification, and possessing a valid driver's licence.
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to child safeguarding principles.

How to Apply

Prospective candidates are invited to submit their CV, a compelling cover letter, and the names of their referees to charlie@changingstarsmalawi.org. Please ensure your application reaches us by the closing date of 30th June. Kindly state your salary expectations within your cover letter. We will contact only those candidates selected for an interview within 14 days of the application deadline. Interviews may incorporate practical assessments. Thorough reference and safeguarding checks will be conducted for all successful candidates.