Warden

Job Summary:

The Housemother is responsible for ensuring that the Lighthouse provides a safe, nurturing, and welcoming temporary home for children. The role involves supervising children during daytime, nighttime, weekends, and holidays while ensuring their wellbeing, safety, emotional support, and daily care.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Child Care and Supervision

• Provide a balanced approach of love, discipline, and care to all children.
• Treat all children equally, impartially, and fairly in all matters.
• Conduct regular night checks every two hours to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children.
• Administer prescribed medication as directed by the Lighthouse nurse.
• Support children in maintaining personal hygiene and caring for their belongings.
• Ensure children complete daily household responsibilities such as cleaning rooms and toilets.
• Demonstrate patience, emotional stability, and flexibility in all interactions.

2. Behavior Management and Safeguarding

• Adhere strictly to the Hope for Justice Child Safeguarding Policy.
• Implement non-violent discipline and positive behavior management techniques.
• Report any serious illness or disciplinary concerns to designated project staff.
• In cases of sudden illness, promptly contact the nurse and follow medical instructions.
• Identify and report child protection concerns according to safeguarding procedures.

3. Training and Collaboration

• Deliver weekly Child Wellbeing training sessions together with the Social Worker and Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
• Liaise effectively with project staff regarding child welfare, health, and behavioral matters.
• Maintain open and professional communication with all team members.
• Work collaboratively with nurses, social workers, and support staff to ensure coordinated child care.

Educational Background:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Additional training or certification in childcare, social work, psychology, or related fields is highly desirable.

Professional Experience:

• Proven experience in childcare, preferably in an organizational or institutional setting.
• Experience working with vulnerable children, including children with trauma backgrounds.
• Experience implementing safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with administering medication and supporting children’s health and hygiene needs.
• Previous experience delivering child wellbeing or educational training sessions is an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Soft Skills

• Empathy and compassion toward children and vulnerable individuals.
• Patience and emotional stability in stressful situations.
• Integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and schedules.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Conflict resolution and positive behavior management skills.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration ability.
• Resilience and ability to work under emotional and physical pressure.

Technical Skills

• Basic first aid and emergency response skills.
• Knowledge of child care and child development practices.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices.
• Ability to implement non-violent discipline techniques.
• Knowledge of child safeguarding and protection protocols.
• Competence in administering prescribed medication safely.
• Basic household management and supervision skills.
• Ability to maintain records, reports, and incident logs accurately.

Additional Requirements:

• Understand and uphold the standards outlined in the Hope for Justice Safeguarding policies.
• Participate in safeguarding and security training during induction and annual refresher sessions.
• Successfully complete reference checks and police clearance before employment.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.

Skills Required:

• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development