Senior Practitioner

Job title: Senior PractitionerLocation: Central & Southern regionDepartment: ProgrammesReports to: Programme LeadDirect reports: VolunteersJOB PURPOSE:* To lead the reintegration of children in residential care facilities into safe and stable family environments. * To take lead in the case management component of the District transformation project. To work in partnership with Residential care institution social workers to ensure the transition of all children into family based care. To ensure that the development and implementation of children’s plans keeps them safe and secure. To work in partnership with other stakeholders to design and implement prevention services in the community and other family based alternatives to institutional care. To ensure that social work practice is effective, safe and rigorous, and to mentor and supervise social workers in child care reforms.KEY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESCase Assessment and Management (40%)* To carry a complex child and family caseload, this could include children within the community, children in Residential Care Facilities and care leavers. * Working with RCF social workers and other partner organisations, this person will provide leadership for: - * The initial screening and documentation of children’s biographical information * The assessment of children and families, including tracing activities * The enrollment of children and families into the programme o Case planning and assessment * Collaborating with other delivery partners to ensure post reintegration support through active family support, parenting programme or referral to other service providers * Post reintegration follow up and review. * To support social workers to develop innovative solutions to intractable family problems. * To provide appropriate oversight, supportive supervision, coaching and mentoring required for CCI social workers to successfully fulfill their roles. * To mentor and supervise social workers in child care reforms * To manage the program activities in a timely, context-sensitive, individualized and family centered manner to achieve the goal of reintegration, always in the best interest of the child. * To work on own initiative, managing and prioritizing own workload under the direction of the project manager * To attend team meetings and contribute to team development. * To participate in regular supervision with the Project Manager and ensure that the Project manager is made aware of any issues of major importance or concernReporting & Training, Records and Compliance (40%)* To ensure that social work practice is effective, safe and rigorous * To ensure that the development and implementation of children’s plans keeps them safe and secure. * Offer training and technical guidance to social welfare line workers, CSO partners, child care institutions and community members on child care and protection, the Alternative Care framework and Deinstitutionalization * Ensure the timely collection, sharing, reporting, management and storage of all information relating to Children’s individual cases and that case recording complies with required standards. * To co-ordinate and conduct the training of partners and community structures. * Support child safeguarding activities within the organisation * Working with the MEAL department to ensure that the learning of good practices is documented for internal and external sharing * Prepare and submit timely reportsStakeholder Co-ordination, Communication and Child’s i Presentation (20%)* To work in partnership with Residential care institution social workers to ensure the transition of all children into family based care * To work in partnership with other stakeholders to design and implement prevention services in the community and other family based alternatives to institutional care * Provide technical guidance and support to district local governments in the set up and operationalisation of the District Alternative care panel. * To liaise effectively with other organizations, departments and agencies and, where appropriate be involved in multidisciplinary work as part of the deinstitutionalization process * To strengthen community structures for protection of children from abuse and exploitation * To work with RCF social workers and other child protection structures to ensure that cases are prepared for closure at an appropriate point and that the family and the case file is transferred to local government or other identified partners. * Ensure positive relationships with relevant Government of Uganda bodies at all levels and that program activities adhere to national laws, policies and guidelines related to case management, child protection and alternative care.KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS (CONTACTS):Internal contacts- Social Workers- MEAL TeamExternal contacts- District local government officials, other NGO’s, CBOs, FBOs, Founders/Funders of Child Care institutions- Directors and managerial level staff in RCFsJOB SPECIFICATIONS:Education, Knowledge, Working experience &Core Competencies* Degree in Social Work, community development or related field. * At least 5 years’ experience of working with children and families within statutory, independent or third sectors such could include residential care facilities and/or foster families, a community or residential care facility setting etc. * Experience of working with children separated from their families, including tracing and reintegration * Experience of case management i.e. recording and data gathering. * Experience of delivering training to professionals and parenting support and guidance to families. * Experience of working in a child centered way, keeping the needs of the child paramount and able to demonstrate child advocacy skills. * Experience of implementing quality assurance processes. * Knowledge and understanding of Uganda’s Alternative Care Framework. * In depth knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to working in children’s servicesSkills and Abilities* Skills in working with families, including ability to engage, support, negotiate and conciliate and manage child protection situations. * Skills in working therapeutically with children including ability to communicate effectively, verbally and non-verbally, applying knowledge of attachment theory and child development. * Ability to develop positive relationships with relevant government, community based organizations and NGO’s at all levels. * Ability to collect, share, manage and store information and data and retrieve it to make formal reports and presentations. * Ability to quality assure reports and assessments. * Ability to develop innovative solutions to intractable family problems * Ability to work on own initiative, whilst keeping own manager informed of matters of importance or concern. * Ability to manage own workload and that of team members; managing priorities and budgets and keeping to deadlines * Ability to ensure the health and safety of staff, both within the office and the field. * Ability to work flexible hours and travel as is required * Able to manage and drive forward new initiatives and service development programmesPersonal Attributes (can be related to company core values)* Ability to work flexible hours and travel as is required * Outgoing and proactive personality * Proven ability to work as a member of a team * Good interpersonal skills and excellent ability to communicate * Ability to work independently and with minimal direction or supervision * Ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure, and balance varied projects * Interest in alternative care and child protection issues * Excellent command of the English language, both written and spokenHOW TO APPLYSend your updated application letter and CV ONLY to [email protected] closing date for applications is 6th March 2026 COB. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Child’s i Foundation is committed to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults from sexual exploitation and other forms of harassment and abuse. Rigorous background and reference checks will be conducted in the course of the recruitment process.