Vacant job

Children's Ombudsman – Hourly Position

Do you want a fun and meaningful side job where you can contribute to increasing the rights and participation of children and young people in their interactions with authorities?

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 during contacts with authorities and decision-makers. Therefore, we are now seeking Children's Ombudsmen in the Gothenburg region who, on behalf of the child, can contribute to ensuring that children's voices are heard and their rights are respected in contacts with social services and other authorities. The target group is children and young people aged 12–17.

We are looking for secure, sensitive, and engaged adults who want to contribute to respecting children's rights – in practice. As a Children's Ombudsman at SOS Children's Villages, you are part of an important initiative to strengthen children's voices and influence in contacts with authorities. The assignment involves working on behalf of the child – to create security, participation, and justice.

About the Assignment

As a Children's Ombudsman, you are matched with a child or young person 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 and other relevant authorities, as well as interventions such as placement and aftercare. Sometimes the child needs support over time, and an assignment may last for several months; sometimes the contact is shorter with more targeted interventions. It may also involve digital support if the child is placed in another location.

The 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-adapted manner
• Ensuring that the child is aware of and has their rights met
• Being a support in getting a say and influencing decisions
• Creating security, structure, and presence in an often complex situation

You will become part of a team of Children's Ombudsmen who support each other, even though the assignments are carried out individually. You will receive training, supervision, and work guidance 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 the rights of children and young people and the ability to convey 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 confident in yourself – and can meet children from different backgrounds with respect and warmth. You have the ability to collaborate and work with various actors such as authorities, organizations, and foster parents/guardians to promote the best interests of the child effectively.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has education in social work, law, or equivalent (or is currently studying)
• Has good experience working with children and young people in vulnerable situations
• Has good knowledge of the mission, processes, and legislation of social services (or other authorities)
• Has a good understanding of children's rights and the UN 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 secure adult with personal maturity

Merits:

• Experience working with placed children and/or experience as a contact person in municipal, private, or non-profit sectors.
• A degree in Social Work as well as experience working within social services
• Multilingualism or experience working in intercultural environments

Employment Conditions

The employment form as a Children's Ombudsman 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 an assignment, we check if you have the possibility to start and the scope of the assignment. Typically, an assignment involves about 2 hours per week for up to 6 months and is performed in addition to your regular employment. Before the assignment, you will undergo training organized by SOS Children's Villages. As part of each assignment, there is monthly reporting and supervision. The assignments are primarily in the Gothenburg region. Prior to employment, an extract from the Police Register will be requested, and references will be checked.

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 its associated guidelines. This means that we work from a risk-aware perspective and that the individual worker is responsible for ensuring that their work does not in any way expose children and young people to the risk of harm.

Interviews may begin during the application period, so please send your application as soon as possible.

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