Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Social Worker will be responsible for monitoring the assigned processes that favor the best interests of children and adolescents, in coordination with the supervisor. The incumbent will also support families and children in all processes from the beginning to reintegration and post-reintegration monitoring.

Responsibilities or duties

Conduct assessments to establish the suitability of prospective child adopter(s) in accordance with the relevant Children’s Act 2022.

Facilitate the process of obtaining consents in the cases of children whose parents have offered them for adoption as stipulated in the relevant Adoption Regulations.

Declare identified children free for adoption and place them with suitable prospective adoptive parent(s)/family, while upholding the child’s best interests.

Monitor cases of post-child placement with prospective adoptive parent(s) until adoption is finalized in court, and complete post-adoption follow-ups.

In case of a disruption or pending alternative placement, proceed to facilitate the assumption of custody of a child- providing care, counseling, or any other social service as will be necessary and appropriate.

Keep accurate, relevant records/reports of Buckner Kenya adoption Services’ activities maintaining confidentiality as required by the relevant Children’s Act.

Promote viable working relationships and team spirit amongst the larger Buckner Kenya community.

Network with appropriate government departments to legalize and enrich programs in ways that strategically positions Buckner Kenya Adoption Services as the leading link for child rescues, parent-offers, or other situations needing professional response to vulnerable children.

Initiate and keep excellent working rapport with clients, work colleagues, relevant government departments, local community leaders, and all other partners.

Participate in the reception, briefing tours, and exposure of program mission, values, goals, and progress status to all visitors, especially donor teams.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

University degree (master’s is preferred) in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Family Studies or related field.

Active member of a professional association, & knowledge of children legislative matters, e.g., Children’s Act.

Ability to work as part of a team in multicultural environments.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including correct spelling and professional writing with the use of technical language – desirably in the English language.

Possess a valid and active driver’s license, preferably with 5 years of driving experience (Added Advantage).

Experience needed

At least 4 years’ work experience in similar position.

Key Skills and Competencies

Ethical and Professional Behavior-Adherence to professional codes of ethics, integrity, accountability, and professional boundaries, self-awareness and management of personal biases, commitment to lifelong learning and supervision

Values and Human Rights-Respect for human dignity and worth – promote social justice, equity, and inclusion; advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized; and counter cruel and discriminatory practices.

Communication Skills-Active listening and empathy – clear verbal and written communication; culturally sensitive interactions; effective documentation and report writing.

Cultural Competence-Understanding diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds – adapt practice to different cultural contexts, and work respectfully with diverse communities.

Advocacy and Policy Practice-Understand social policies, their impact, and engage community organizing and empowerment.

Collaboration-Work effectively with other professionals (e.g., healthcare, education, justice).

Reporting Skills-Ability to gather information, organize it well, and present in structured, accurate and understandable ways.

Mental Aptitude-Ability to understand and solve problems accurately.

• Conduct assessments to establish the suitability of prospective child adopter(s) in accordance with the relevant Children’s Act 2022.
• Facilitate the process of obtaining consents in the cases of children whose parents have offered them for adoption as stipulated in the relevant Adoption Regulations.
• Declare identified children free for adoption and place them with suitable prospective adoptive parent(s)/family, while upholding the child’s best interests.
• Monitor cases of post-child placement with prospective adoptive parent(s) until adoption is finalized in court, and complete post-adoption follow-ups.
• In case of a disruption or pending alternative placement, proceed to facilitate the assumption of custody of a child- providing care, counseling, or any other social service as will be necessary and appropriate.
• Keep accurate, relevant records/reports of Buckner Kenya adoption Services’ activities maintaining confidentiality as required by the relevant Children’s Act.
• Promote viable working relationships and team spirit amongst the larger Buckner Kenya community.
• Network with appropriate government departments to legalize and enrich programs in ways that strategically positions Buckner Kenya Adoption Services as the leading link for child rescues, parent-offers, or other situations needing professional response to vulnerable children.
• Initiate and keep excellent working rapport with clients, work colleagues, relevant government departments, local community leaders, and all other partners.
• Participate in the reception, briefing tours, and exposure of program mission, values, goals, and progress status to all visitors, especially donor teams.

• Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Values and Human Rights
• Communication Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Advocacy and Policy Practice
• Collaboration
• Reporting Skills
• Mental Aptitude

• University degree (master’s is preferred) in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Family Studies or related field.
• Active member of a professional association, & knowledge of children legislative matters, e.g., Children’s Act.
• Ability to work as part of a team in multicultural environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including correct spelling and professional writing with the use of technical language – desirably in the English language.
• Possess a valid and active driver’s license, preferably with 5 years of driving experience (Added Advantage).