VACANCY NOTICE – CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER II

The Human Resource Management Department on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs wishes to invite suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Child Protection Officer II.

The Child Protection Officer II will investigate all reports of child abuse and neglect to protect the rights of children. They will also assist with the development of new programs and activities based on the trends and patterns of the data collected on this population and their realities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Make reports of all cases of abuse and neglect of children as a mandatory reporter.
• Conduct investigations of each reported case of child abuse and neglect in keeping with Department guidelines and legislative mandates.
• Conduct interviews with the alleged victim in a manner and location that respects the rights of the child.
• Conduct assessments of the full environment of the affected child and their family (physical, emotional, psychological).
• Conduct interviews with individuals and representatives of institutions that serve or can provide information on the affected child and their family. For example, school, church, community, health professionals, family members, etc.
• Complete an investigative report on the findings of the assessment to advise on the next steps for the case.
• Present evidence, testimony and reports in keeping with the rules and procedures of the Court and the Department.
• Complete all Court required reports (investigative, inquiry and progress) for child related matters in the approved format and within the time frame requested.
• Execute the court orders as directed.
• Be responsible for the case management and monitoring of Court decisions.
• Assessment of alternative living spaces for children in need of care and protection (kinship, foster, institutional).
• Monitor children and their families in keeping with the Court and department procedures.
• Create and participate in advocacy and information sharing activities as organized by the Department. For example, presentations, projects, activities etc.
• Collaborate effectively with other agencies such as Police, Courts, Health Services, Education and voluntary agencies which provide evidence of abuse and neglect and services to children and their families.
• Abide by the procedures and standards of the Operational Manual and legislations that guide the work of the Department to execute the next steps (orders), case monitoring and reporting and case closure.
• Submit monthly reports to the Case Manager using the approved templates and formats.
• Attend clinical supervision meetings and sessions as required.
• Serve as a mediator once certified and gazette.
• Attend all meetings, trainings and workshops organized by the Department, Ministry and its stakeholders as recommended/nominated.
• Provide feedback from the meetings, training and workshops attended to inform planning and decision-making of the Department and the wider Ministry.
• Assist with the Emergency Management responsibilities of the Ministry.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field of human services, for example Social Work, Psychology, Sociology etc.
• Two (2) years’ experience in a related field

SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES/SKILLS:

• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, display soft skills, conflict resolution skills, maintain a positive attitude and provide exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative in the best interest of the Department and carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards safely and successfully.
• Must be able to organize work and achieve outcomes and meet deadlines.
• Proven experience in establishing collaborative partnerships with local organizations, government, and communities.
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to listen, empathize and interact well with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven high level verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present, prepare professional reports, policies, strategies, grants, and correspondence.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly in person and on the telephone.
• Project management experience and interpersonal skills
• The ability to manage several priorities at any one time.
• Excellent command of the English Language – written and spoken
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, Publisher and Outlook; Google Docs Platform)

WORKING HOURS:

• Traditionally Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• 1 Hour Lunch Break
• On Call responsibilities on Public Holidays, over the weekend and evening hours.
• Participation in Department and Ministry sanctions activities and programs.

Salary: K33-K38 ($64,092-$78,768) per annum

Applications must be accompanied by: 

         Letter of Application

         Curriculum Vitae

         Police Record

         Official academic certificates, transcripts and other relevant documents (certified copies)

         Two (2) references with telephone and e-mail addresses

and should be addressed to:

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs

Victoria Road

Basseterre, St. Kitts

The deadline for receipt of applications is 22^nd  May, 2024.