Vacant job

Are you looking for a fun and meaningful part-time job where you can contribute to increasing the rights and participation of children and young people?

Having listened to children and young people, we know that when they lack a secure adult figure, it can be difficult for their voices to be heard and for them to understand everything that happens in contact with authorities and decision-makers. Therefore, we are now seeking child advocates in Stockholm County who, on behalf of the child, can contribute to ensuring that children's voices are heard and their rights are respected in contact with social services and other authorities.

We are looking for secure, sensitive, and engaged adults who want to contribute to the practical respect of children's rights. As a child advocate at SOS Children's Villages, you are part of an important initiative to strengthen children's voices and influence in contact with authorities. The assignment means that you work on behalf of the child – to create security, participation, and justice.

As a child advocate, you are matched with a child or young person who has requested support. Your assignment is to, based on the child's needs and wishes, strengthen their influence in matters concerning, for example, social services, placement, aftercare, or other authorities. You can also contribute to shorter advisory contacts via phone or digitally, where the child quickly needs guidance or a sounding board.

Direct work may involve:

• Participating in meetings with social services or other authorities
• Supporting the child/young person in expressing their thoughts and needs
• Explaining decisions and processes in an understandable, child-appropriate manner
• Ensuring that the child is aware of and has their rights met
• Being a support in getting a voice and influencing decisions
• Creating security, structure, and presence in often complex situations

You will become part of a team of child advocates who support each other, even though the assignments are carried out individually. You will receive training, supervision, and work leadership 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.

You have a strong commitment to the rights of children and young people and the ability to instill calm and trust. You are accustomed to active listening, are sensitive to children's signals, and have an easy time creating secure 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/guardians to promote the best interests of children effectively.

We are looking for you who:

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

Meritorious:

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

The form of employment as a support person/child advocate in our national programs is flexible; in other words, you are not guaranteed hours. We match based on the needs of our participants and your experience. When you are asked about assignments, we check if you have the possibility to start up and the scope of the assignment. Typically, an assignment comprises about 10 hours/month and is performed in addition to your regular employment. Before the assignment, you undergo training organized by SOS Children's Villages. As part of each assignment, there is monthly reporting and supervision included. The assignments are mainly in Stockholm County. Prior to employment, extracts from the Police Register of Offenses will be requested, and references will be checked.

As an employee at SOS Children's Villages, one has 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 perspective and that the individual worker is responsible that their work in no way exposes children and young people to the risk of harm.

Selection is ongoing – welcome to send your application as soon as possible.

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