Special Hope Network is a faith-based, Christian non-profit organization in Lusaka, Zambia Special Hope Network exists to bring glory to God by creating a world where all kids are valued. We impact communities by improving care for kids with intellectual disabilities. This starts by equipping families and caregivers to provide these children with a loving home, holistic health care, and exceptional education and therapies.

Special Hope Network is seeking a qualified Social Worker to support the health and development of children with intellectual disabilities at our Finding Joy Zambia Transit home. The main responsibilities include:

Case Management

Manage all home visits to potential children for the Finding Joy Home, filling out all paperwork required by MCDSS

Maintain good relationships with each parent and caregiver once chosen for the home, visiting at least once monthly

Be vigilant about issues going on in kids’ homes and what support may be needed

Provide demonstrations, further explanation, and advice on topics related to health, nutrition, hygiene, feeding, and positioning training, as well as cooking demos.

Provide further explanation on administering medicines and other prescribed items

Health Guidance & Monitor Growth

Complete initial health assessments on all children and enter into SPOON App

Track weight, height, MUAC, and head circumference on all children per baseline, and then subsequently follow the Count Me In-app

Be able to explain to parents the reasons behind tracking measurements

Track children’s general health and illness and report to the Head House Mother

Assist parents in obtaining proper health care from local clinics and hospitals regarding seizures, illness, and growth monitoring

Input accurate data in a timely manner into Count Me In, interpreting measurements to check progress/problems

Advise parents on child health and wellness using expertise and Count Me In app recommendations

Carry out tasks as assigned by the supervisor with minimal supervision

Subject Expertise and Parent Learning

Understand and execute goals in the FJZ home in accordance with the Logical Framework

Ensure each parent understands how to keep the child healthy regarding nutrition, feeding, hygiene, medication, illness prevention, and signs of illness

Understand seizures and swallowing to be able to explain to parents and provide simple advice

Run wellness program by use of medical disability lessons, Count Me In application and training, and disability rights advocacy

Note questions that need your growth in understanding and come back with accurate answers

Continue professional development to understand wellness program information to the highest level of accuracy

Provide feedback to parents at the level of their understanding and provide support for continued learning

Faith Active

Be an example of spiritual growth by practicing personal daily habits of faithfulness. Talk about those habits when with your colleagues and ask them about theirs. Hold discipleship in high regard and participate every time. Pray with your team. Prioritize faith, yours, and your colleagues’.

Train parents on bible study skills, discipleship skills and leadership skills when appropriate.

Participate in trainings on management skills, emotional intelligence in the workplace, bible study skills and professionalism

Be above reproach in your work ethic (virtuous, upright). You are where you say you are, you spent what you say you spent, you do what you say you will do

Maintain safe boundaries with other staff, parents, advocates, caregivers, and children, always having another Special Hope adult with you at all times

• Manage all home visits to potential children for the Finding Joy Home, filling out all paperwork required by MCDSS
• Maintain good relationships with each parent and caregiver once chosen for the home, visiting at least once monthly
• Be vigilant about issues going on in kids’ homes and what support may be needed
• Provide demonstrations, further explanation, and advice on topics related to health, nutrition, hygiene, feeding, and positioning training, as well as cooking demos.
• Provide further explanation on administering medicines and other prescribed items
• Complete initial health assessments on all children and enter into SPOON App
• Track weight, height, MUAC, and head circumference on all children per baseline, and then subsequently follow the Count Me In-app
• Be able to explain to parents the reasons behind tracking measurements
• Track children’s general health and illness and report to the Head House Mother
• Assist parents in obtaining proper health care from local clinics and hospitals regarding seizures, illness, and growth monitoring
• Input accurate data in a timely manner into Count Me In, interpreting measurements to check progress/problems
• Advise parents on child health and wellness using expertise and Count Me In app recommendations
• Carry out tasks as assigned by the supervisor with minimal supervision
• Understand and execute goals in the FJZ home in accordance with the Logical Framework
• Ensure each parent understands how to keep the child healthy regarding nutrition, feeding, hygiene, medication, illness prevention, and signs of illness
• Understand seizures and swallowing to be able to explain to parents and provide simple advice
• Run wellness program by use of medical disability lessons, Count Me In application and training, and disability rights advocacy
• Note questions that need your growth in understanding and come back with accurate answers
• Continue professional development to understand wellness program information to the highest level of accuracy
• Provide feedback to parents at the level of their understanding and provide support for continued learning
• Be an example of spiritual growth by practicing personal daily habits of faithfulness. Talk about those habits when with your colleagues and ask them about theirs. Hold discipleship in high regard and participate every time. Pray with your team. Prioritize faith, yours, and your colleagues’.
• Train parents on bible study skills, discipleship skills and leadership skills when appropriate.
• Participate in trainings on management skills, emotional intelligence in the workplace, bible study skills and professionalism
• Be above reproach in your work ethic (virtuous, upright). You are where you say you are, you spent what you say you spent, you do what you say you will do
• Maintain safe boundaries with other staff, parents, advocates, caregivers, and children, always having another Special Hope adult with you at all times