Caretaker

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC strives to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. In response to the arrival of refugees in Greece in 2015, the IRC has been offering SMS, WASH, and Protection Services. Among others, through its child protection programs, the IRC provides individual support through case management to vulnerable children and their families, non-formal educational activities for children through Safe Healing and Learning Spaces, and emergency accommodation and protection to unaccompanied children.

The current program (Supported Independent Living – SIL) seeks at offering quality, community-based and age-appropriate accommodation, care, and support to unaccompanied children (UAC) 16 to 18 years old and equip them with the vital skills to transition efficiently into adulthood.

SCOPE OF WORK: Under the lead and supervision of the SIL Unit Coordinator, the caretaker is accountable for implementing daily independent living care plans and supervising and monitoring UAC unaccompanied adolescent children residing in the SIL apartments. As the main task, the candidate will supervise and ensure the children are safe and participate in daily non-formal educational activities. Will ensure the implementation of activities related to daily house management and housekeeping and the life/soft skills building of the children, in collaboration with the social worker.

Position objectives:

• Support and coordinate individual daily care plans for unaccompanied adolescent children.

• Provide daily supervision in ensuring the health and safety and security of UAC consistent with IRC’s security procedures/policies and according to the SIL Standard Operating Procedures.

• Coordinate and facilitate unaccompanied children’s involvement in community-based educational, social, health, recreational, and integration programs/activities.

• Directly work with the rest team members for the efficient and effective delivery of UAC case plans and all the related activities.

Key responsibilities:

• Establish positive relationships with the UAC to facilitate the provision of daily psychosocial support, socialization, and mentoring activities by specialized staff.

• Consistently supervising/assessing the safety and security of UAC, promptly reporting concerns or incidents to the social worker and the SIL Unit Coordinator.

• Proactively identify any behavioral changes or issues the children might have and immediately report them to the social worker;

• Communicate regularly with the social workers and the SIL Unit Coordinator on critical incidents, UAC achievements, and challenges;

• Whenever needed, participate in the formulation of UAC case plan reviews, case plans, and case consultations/conferences;

• In collaboration with the social worker, plan with medical personnel to ensure the physical/health needs of the children are met;

• Assist the children in the operation of daily care routines/chores and detailed upkeep of the apartments;

• Ensure that UAC follows all daily care routines including daily waking/hygiene, dressing and showering, meal and dietary requirements including group dining and attending appointments;

• Assist in the coordination and implementation of activities and be responsible for making appropriate arrangements for appointments and scheduled regular activities;

• In coordination with the social workers and the interpreters to implement structured, group life/soft skills building activities;

• Empower the UAC in participating in group activities that will promote their development, well-being, and integration into Greek and/or European society;

• Proactively coordinate thematic sessions and groups around various issues that are of interest to the children, such as living together, healthy lifestyle e.tc;

• Organize homework support groups;

• Prepare daily lessons in Greek and English language;

• Promote an inclusive behavior that will establish the engagement of all children living in the apartments.

• Provide interpersonal support and mentorship to young UAC in independent living skills, daily problem-solving, budget management, and communication skills with family & community networks;

• Facilitate the cohabitation between the UAC and the rest residents of the block of flats;

• Facilitate monthly residents meetings with the children living in all 5 apartments;

• Assist in any other task, as per each shift’s needs;

• Perform safety and security checks as needed;

• Whenever needed, undertake along with the participation of the adolescent children any house reparations and assist in fixing any damages;

• Provide input for weekly and monthly activity reports;

• Update the daily reports and records, concerning the confidentiality principle;

• Directly communicate efficiently with the rest team members on the quality and efficiency of individual UAC case plans;

• Regularly attend team meetings and other internal and external meetings;

• Build and maintain effective working collaborations between IRC departments and external services, including the guardians, other CP actors, UN agencies e.tc.

• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor are to protect and support the UAC and enable and develop IRC programs.

OTHER:

• Must complete criminal background check and submit a clean criminal record

• Able to participate in physical activities with children that may include running, bending, stooping, and moderate lifting

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working hours: shift schedule during afternoon hours and night hours.

Travel and other requirements: travel requirements between the apartments within Attica and occasionally to other areas of IRC programs within Athens

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

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

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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Qualifications