Child Representative – Part-time Employment

Do you want a fun and meaningful part-time job where you can help increase the rights and participation of children and youth?

We know, after listening to children and youth, that when they lack a safe adult, it can be difficult to have their voices heard and understand everything that happens in contact with authorities and decision-makers. Therefore, we are now looking for child representatives in Stockholm County who, on behalf of the child, can help ensure that children's voices are heard and rights are respected in contact with social services and other authorities. We are looking for secure, attentive, and engaged adults who want to contribute to respecting children's rights – in practice. As a child representative at SOS Children's Villages, you are part of an important effort to strengthen children's voices and influence in contact with authorities. The assignment means that you work on behalf of the child – to create safety, participation, and justice.

About the Assignment

As a child representative, you will be matched with a child or youth who has requested support. Your task is to, based on the child's needs and wishes, strengthen their influence in matters concerning, for example, social services, placement, or aftercare, or other authorities. You can also contribute in shorter advisory contacts via phone or digitally, where the child quickly needs guidance or a sounding board. The direct work may involve:

• Participating in meetings with social services or other authorities
• Supporting the child/youth in expressing their thoughts and needs
• Explaining decisions and processes in an understandable, child-friendly manner
• Ensuring that the child is aware of and has their rights fulfilled
• Being a support in having their voice heard and influencing decisions
• Creating safety, structure, and presence in often complex situations

You will be part of a team of child representatives who support each other, even though the assignments are carried out individually. You will receive training, supervision, and management from coordinators at SOS Children's Villages. The role is an important part of our development of a new support form – therefore, your reflections and learnings are also a valuable part of our joint development work.

Who Are You?

You have a strong commitment to children's and youth's rights and an ability to instill calm and trust. You are used to listening actively, are attentive to children's signals, and find it easy to create safe relationships. You are structured, responsible, and secure in yourself – and can meet children from different backgrounds with respect and warmth. You have the ability to collaborate and cooperate with various actors such as authorities, organizations, and foster parents/caregivers to effectively promote the best interests of children. We are looking for someone who:

• Has education in social work, law, or equivalent (or is currently studying)
• Has good experience working with vulnerable children and youth
• Has good knowledge of the social services' mission, processes, and legislation
• Has a good understanding of children's rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Has specific knowledge of the needs and situations of placed children
• Has good knowledge of Swedish society and its structure
• Is a suitable, secure, and stable adult

Meritorious:

• Experience working with children and youth in vulnerable life situations, placed children and youth, the target group of unaccompanied minors, and work as a contact person in municipal, private, or non-profit sectors.
• Social work degree as well as experience working within social services
• Multilingualism or experience working in intercultural environments

Employment Conditions

The employment form as a support person/child representative in our national programs is flexible, meaning you are not guaranteed hours. We match based on our participants' needs and your experience. When you are asked about an assignment, we will check if you are available to start and the extent of the assignment. Typically, an assignment involves about 10 hours/month and is carried out in addition to your regular employment. Before the assignment, you will undergo training organized by SOS Children's Villages. Each assignment includes monthly reporting and supervision. The assignments are primarily in Stockholm County. Before employment, a background check from the Police will be requested, and references will be taken.

As an employee at SOS Children's Villages, you have a responsibility to adhere to and follow our Code of Conduct and Child and Youth Safeguarding Policy with associated guidelines. This means that we work from a risk-aware position and that the individual worker is responsible for ensuring that their work does not in any way expose children and youth to risk of harm.

Selection is ongoing – welcome to submit your application as soon as possible. NOTE! The response to your application may end up in your spam folder.