Child Friendly Space Assistant Position

The Child Friendly Space Assistant position is responsible for assisting in the creation, maintenance, and facilitation of a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for children in emergency or crisis settings. The role ensures that children have a space to learn, play, express themselves, and heal in a protective and nurturing atmosphere. The position involves direct interaction with children and families, as well as coordination with other staff members and partners to ensure the wellbeing of children in the Child Friendly Space (CFS).

Responsibilities

• Facilitate Child-Centered Activities:
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that promote psychosocial support and emotional wellbeing for children.
• Organize play-based learning sessions, arts and crafts, storytelling, and group games.
• Foster an environment where children feel safe and supported to express themselves freely.
• Provide Direct Child Support:
• Offer emotional support to children and ensure they feel comfortable in the space.
• Listen to children’s concerns and provide guidance where needed, in collaboration with child protection specialists.
• Build relationships of trust with children, making sure they feel valued and heard.
• Maintain a Safe and Inclusive Environment:
• Ensure the physical environment is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all children, including those with disabilities or special needs.
• Monitor children’s safety, ensuring they are not at risk of harm during activities.
• Adhere to child protection policies and report any concerns or incidents to the appropriate channels.
• Monitor and Document Participation and Progress:
• Keep track of attendance and participation in activities.
• Document significant observations related to children’s behavior, wellbeing, and progress.
• Collaborate with other team members to assess and monitor individual needs and provide appropriate referrals to other services when necessary.
• Work with Families and Caregivers:
• Engage with parents, caregivers, and community members to provide updates on their child’s participation.
• Support families with information on available resources and services.
• Facilitate communication between children, caregivers, and other support personnel to ensure the child’s needs are being met.
• Collaboration with Other Teams:
• Work closely with partner teams to ensure a holistic approach to child wellbeing.
• Participate in regular team meetings to report on activities, challenges, and feedback from children and families.
• Training and Capacity Building:
• Participate in PSEA training on child protection and other relevant topics.
• Maintain a Livescan background check and submit to American National Red Cross volunteer background check form.
• Provide feedback to management on the needs and concerns of the children in the Child Friendly Space.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree. (Preferred but not requiredin Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: Previous experience working with children, preferably in emergency, refugee, or vulnerable community settings.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with children and families.
• Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of child protection principles and psychosocial support techniques.
• Ability to adapt activities to diverse groups of children, including those with disabilities.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively across different sectors.

Desirable Attributes

• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing environments.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a dynamic, multicultural, and potentially challenging environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends if needed.
• Regular field visits and potential travel, depending on the location.

$17.50 – $18.10 an hour