Child Protection Social Worker

In collaboration with the Municipality of Athens, and with the support of UNHCR in Greece, the IRC seeks to enhance child protection services through the secondment of a specialized Child Protection Social Worker to the Migrant Center (KEM) in Athens. The Child Protection Social Worker will be responsible for providing comprehensive child protection services, including case management, coordination with relevant stakeholders, capacity strengthening, and prevention-oriented activities and workshops (group and individual). The role ensures that refugee and migrant children, as well as their caregivers, receive the necessary support to address protection concerns and foster their independence within the local community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Child Protection Case Management

·Conduct Best and Interests Assessments and social history intakes, as necessary, to identify the protection needs of refugee and migrant children.

·Develop and implement case management plans, ensuring children’s best interests are prioritized.

·Provide psychosocial support to children and families, either directly or through referrals to specialized services.

·Monitor and document progress and outcomes of cases, maintaining strict confidentiality.

·Ensure actions do not put children at risk of (further) harm.

·Ensure each child protection case file is regularly updated, includes all necessary documents and is safely stored.

2.Referrals and Coordination:

·Establish and maintain referral pathways to local and national child protection services, health providers, education institutions, and other relevant actors.

·Collaborate with stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to ensure comprehensive support for children and their families.

·Participate in case management and Protection/Child Protection Working Groups and coordination meetings as required.

·Coordinate regularly with KEM social workers and child protection focal points to ensure timely and effective provision of child protection services, support with public prosecutor’s cases and accompaniments when possible.

3.Capacity Strengthening

·Provide training and technical support to KEM staff, municipal employees, and other local stakeholders on child protection principles, case management practices, and psychosocial support.

·Develop resources and tools to enhance the capacity of local professionals in child protection.

4.Prevention Activities

·Organize and facilitate awareness-raising sessions for caregivers on child protection risks, parenting strategies, and available services.

·Develop and disseminate educational materials for caregivers to promote positive parenting and child well-being.

·Engage with community networks to promote a protective environment for children.

5.Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation

·Maintain accurate and secure records of all case management and capacity-building activities.

·Prepare regular reports for the IRC and KEM, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

·Contribute to assessments, evaluations, and learning activities to inform and improve program delivery.

REQUIREMENTS:

●Technical diploma or degree in social work, including license to practice;

●Minimum of 3 years’ experience in social work, case management, provision of psychosocial support to children/ adolescents, ideally in humanitarian or development settings;

●Previous experience in child protection programming/safe zone/shelter/SIL for UACs highly desirable;

●Previous experience in group work with children/ adolescents is highly desirable;

●Fluency in Greek and English is required.

●Personal qualities: Team player, responsive, flexible, network-builder, able to handle pressure well and work

●Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of individuals of various backgrounds

●Strong sense of personal integrity;

●Strong negotiation and coordination skills;

●Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task while working in a fast-paced environment;

●Ability to build relationships quickly

●Computer skills: Knowledge of MS Office, Internet, Outlook and competency with new technologies required

OTHER:

·Must successfully complete criminal background check;

WORK ENVIRNOMENT:

Working hours: Standard working hours (9:00 – 17:00), with flexibility required for occasional evening activities.

Location: Based at the KEM of the Municipality of Athens, with periodic travel to IRC offices and other relevant to the project locations.

Due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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