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Save the Children US · 20 hours ago

Advisor I, Safeguarding, Protection and Community Engagement

Tennessee, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Save the Children US is dedicated to fighting for the rights of children and is seeking an Advisor for Safeguarding, Protection, and Community Engagement. This role will serve as a technical lead to manage child safeguarding and protection for assigned Head Start programs, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, families, and staff through various supportive and collaborative initiatives.

CharityMedicalNon Profit

Responsibilities

Serve as the Safeguarding Focal point for an assigned Head Start programs, conducting ongoing training and monitoring of program activities to ensure the program is adhering to the requirements as outlined in the SCUS Safeguarding Policy Framework (Child Safeguarding, Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and Human Trafficking Policies) and Head Start Child Safeguarding Policy Notebook, submitting periodic reports as requested to Department, Division, and Agency leadership

Support the development of Head Start safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure alignment with SCUS and Head Start requirements

Cultivate a culture of safeguarding across programs, guiding and monitoring the implementation of active supervision and positive guidance techniques to prevent (including children being left alone, unsupervised, and/or abuse)

In alignment with SCUS policies and procedures, collaborate with program Human Resources and management staff on hiring practices and employment engagement strategies to mitigate safeguarding risks, supporting the implementation of agency guidance, process and policy

Coordinate roll-out of the trauma informed care approach. Contextualize and further refine existing content to build staff capacity related to trauma-informed care practices. Convene a Head Start safeguarding task force for the assigned area in collaboration with representatives from varying positions and varying levels of the organization, including representation from the Head Start board and policy council

Support Parent and Family Community Engagement Manager in educating families on safeguarding and reporting concerns

With support and tools developed in collaboration with the National Safeguarding Team, carry out risk assessments of departments and programs in assigned area and develop action plans to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place

Ensure contextualized safeguarding awareness raising materials, including child friendly materials, are posted at Head Start program sites and disseminated to families

Support Head Start staff to develop child friendly complaint mechanisms in consultation with families and children and conduct awareness raising activities with children on appropriate conduct of staff and how to raise concerns

Immediately report any concerns of safeguarding policy violations to Ethics Point and/or the National Safeguarding Team. Ensure that any concerns raised are handled confidentiality and according to organizational policy and procedure

In partnership with the National Safeguarding Team, Head Start Program Director and other content area managers as applicable, program correction action plans with measurable objectives in response to internal and external safeguarding findings and recommendations. Oversee follow-through plans, documenting progress and challenges according to identified timeframes

If needed and requested by the National Safeguarding Team, provide support for safeguarding investigations (e.g. logistical support, referral to support services)

Develop and maintain a mapping of available support services in the assigned area to refer survivors, witnesses, and others affected by safeguarding violations

Participate in bi-weekly calls with the National Safeguarding Team to ensure robust two-way communication and coordination

Engage in ongoing learning and development activities on safeguarding standards and best practices

With guidance from Save the Children’s Child Protection Advisor, develop Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Child Protection protocols and referrals; follow up on related concerns and provide capacity building and training to all Head Start program staff on the SOP

Support programs through consultation, reporting and debrief related to child protection concerns

Oversee assessment of child protection risks and gaps in services for Head Start families with direct input of Head Start Family Service Coordinators, Family Community Engagement Manager and other relevant staff and Head Start families

Monitor, analyze and follow-up on incident reporting tracker and train Head Start staff on incident report writing. Submit monthly tracker to Head Start Program Director and Child Protection Advisor

Establish clear recommendations related to reported child protection concerns and in collaboration with Head Start Program Director, oversee development of a time-bound plan of action and lines of accountability with Head Start team

Support ongoing identification of local and state organizations, agencies, services and programs and establish referral pathway to mitigate risk, respond to child protection concerns, fill gaps, and strengthen capacity of Head Start families to protect children

Support Parent Family Community Engagement (PFCE) Manager with implementation of researched based parenting curriculum across programs

Research the availability and accessibility of child protection and prevention services throughout the Head Start service area and make recommendations to the PFCE Manager and Head Start Program Director for potential new community partnerships

Collaborate with programmatic colleagues, key community officials, partners, families, schools, and other cross-sector partners to engage in strategic planning and implementation of trauma informed community-based strategies

Provide support to the Community Partnership Risk Assessment process

Support Head Start program in special community projects such as community outreach events, food distribution projects, and Pop-up events

Increase reach with new partners by coordinating logistics and delivery of donations

Support recording and tracking of in-kind donations

Implement safety and security strategy as guided by the Office of Head Start and Save the Children’s requirements for safety and security; organize training and provide technical guidance on local safety and security incidents

Inform safety and security community of practice on best practices to continuously improve upon the safety and security strategy across Head Start and US Programs and Advocacy

Qualification

Child safeguardingChild protectionCommunity engagementTrauma-informed careChild development knowledgeMS Office proficiencyDiversityInclusionCommunication skillsCollaboration skillsPresentation skillsDocumentation skills

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, plus at least five (5) years of relevant experience

Proven knowledge of child development (0-5 years of age)

Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate incidents and provide constructive advice and guidance, while maintaining appropriate professional confidentiality

Proven documentation skills that reflect an ability to convey events with accuracy, sufficient detail, and objectivity

Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, both internally and externally, with a proven ability and willingness to use assertiveness with staff across various levels of authority in interest of keeping children safe

Proven experience with staff presentations and facilitating learning sessions based on knowledge of adult learning principles

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and assess the urgency of issues

Professional proficiency in MS Office suite

Professional proficiency in spoken and written English

Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging

Preferred

Knowledge and understanding of local child protection and prevention systems and ability to identify gaps

Knowledge of Trauma Informed Systems of Care

Benefits

Time off: 11 paid holidays plus 10 days for winter break and 5 days for spring break, (with additional 5 hours PTO.

Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family. Employer paid short term disability and long-term disability benefits.

Option to select HSA if enrolled into High-Deductible Health Plan in which company matches a portion of contribution.

Option to enroll into health care and dependent care options.

Agency paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).

Parental/adoption, fertility benefits

Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees

Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)

Health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events

Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services

Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships. Certification and tuition assistance.

Company

Save the Children US

Glassdoor3.9

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.

Founded in 1932

Fairfield, Connecticut, USA

1001-5000 employees