Trauma Care Manager – Kids Alive International Zambia

Job Description

Who are we
Kids Alive International (KAI) is an international Christ-centered organization that believes every child is a gift and deserves to live free from fear and exploitation. In Zambia, Kids Alive Zambia (KAZ) empowers abused, neglected, and vulnerable children in some of the hardest places and creates thriving families and communities by giving hope to children through restorative education, family strengthening, protective care, and justice advocacy.

Position Summary
Ensure all children from hard backgrounds supported by KAZ are able to heal from their past traumas of abuse and neglect. The role will also provide ensure post-trauma recovery interventions are taken care of holistically.

Job Responsibilities:

a). Trauma Informed Child Care

• Develop trauma checklist with therapists and undertake pre-arrival briefings for new clients (Children)
• Conduct psychological assessments and/or diagnostic tests for troubled children in residential and non-residential care programs. Including for circumstantial children and their mothers
• Ensure clinical practice is in accordance with health/hospital guidelines/standards during initial child assessments.
• Develop an individualized treatment plan for each child.
• Communicate appropriately and clearly to relevant staff, medical personnel on emergency referrals and other healthcare providers.
• Prepare children for appearance in court.
•  Prepare children and families for reintegration.
• Educate family members on what they can do for their reintegrated child or how to respond to certain observable behaviours.

b). Child Protection & Safeguarding

• Participate in assessments on risks and preparedness to respond to child abuse incidents;
• Support family assessment for children being reintegrated to prepare for new environment and relationships;
• In collaboration with Safeguarding officer develop training and orientation modules for staff, children and families;
• Support and organise child protection camps, awareness and sensitizations meetings with families and children;
• Participate and coordinate spiritual support activities

c). Leadership and Capacity building

• Lead the development and update of policies, strategies and operational guidelines for the Trauma Care Team;
• Coordinate the Trauma Care Team (TCT) to achieve outcomes for children
• Prepare annual and quarterly work or implementation plan for easy activity tracking to ensure accountability and achieving of set milestones;
• Provide support and mentorship to Social workers and mothers on best practice in childcare;
• Undertake performance agreements and reviews for Trauma Care team
• Identify capacity building gaps for team and make necessary recommendations
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness
• Gather and share impact stories with Programs Manager, Communications and M&E
• Develop and maintain a database all children in KAZ and new entries
• Provide trainings for mothers and social workers to enhance their skills
• Provide training for correctional officers in their support of circumstantial children
• Represent KAZ at all government and partner meetings related to mental health and trauma care

d) Policy and procedures

• Review, develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures for the Trauma Care that meet and collaret with government rules and regulations (mental health, child health).
• Ensure compliance with safety, emergency management in terms of sexual abuse cases and any other that may require risk management in consultation with relevant departments.
• Good understanding of the existing policy framework on child protection and welfare at National and global level and align accordingly.

d). Financial Management and Compliance

• Will lead on annual planning and budgeting for the team
• Will be responsible for proper accounting of all resources provided to the team, including financial resources.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure needed resources are availed in a timely manner.
• Shall be responsible for the team budget, including authorisation of payments within threshold.
• Perform any other duties as assigned

Essential Skills

• Strong Christian with ability to share the gospel and use the word of God to strengthen and give inspiration to children and families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership, communication skills, both written and verbal. Able to communicate with children of different ages and from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Strong computer skills including Excel, Word and Outlook
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Proven ability to work in a team environment
• Positive attitude, showing concern for people and community
• High level of self-motivation
• Approachable and empathic for children to be comfortable working with you.
• Must be knowledgeable of different therapeutic methods and be able to switch between different approaches to meet each child’s needs.
• Aware of all professional, ethical, and legal regulations as determined by relevant regulatory bodies and the law.

Character Requirements

• A committed Christian with a personal faith in Jesus Christ and a heart for serving orphans and vulnerable children
• A commitment to champion and contributes towards our organizational culture
• Consistent commitment to open and honest communication, demonstrating respect for all
• Integrity and strong character confirmed by references
• Successful completion of a criminal background check

Experience and Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. A graduate degree in psychology or any closely related field shall be an added advantage.
• Practical experience in child counselling, rehabilitation or behavioral monitoring for not less than 4 years.
• Several years’ practical experience working with children in a similar setting may be strongly desired.

The applicates should submit their cover letter, cv and all relevant qualification documents to KAZrecruit@kidsalive.org before 17:00hrs on 14th March 2025

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Only shortlist candidates will be contacted.