Residential Child Care Worker Position at the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs

Job Title: Deputy House Parent

Organization: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Location: Various Children’s Homes across India

Role Overview:

The Deputy House Parent plays a crucial role in the care and development of children residing in Children’s Homes under the purview of the NHRC. They work in close collaboration with the House Parent to create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment that fosters the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being of each child. This involves providing daily care, implementing educational and recreational activities, and offering guidance and support to help children develop life skills and reach their full potential. The Deputy House Parent acts as a positive role model, building trusting relationships and demonstrating empathy and understanding. They are responsible for upholding the rights of the children and ensuring their safety and protection. This position requires a deep commitment to child welfare, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Daily Care and Supervision: The Deputy House Parent actively participates in the daily routines of the children, including waking them up, assisting with personal hygiene, dressing, mealtimes, and bedtime preparations. They ensure that the children’s living spaces are clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living environment. They supervise children during playtime, outdoor activities, and other recreational engagements, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Educational and Recreational Activities: Assisting the House Parent in organizing and implementing educational activities that complement the children’s formal schooling is a key responsibility. This includes helping with homework, promoting reading habits, and facilitating access to learning resources. The Deputy House Parent also plays a vital role in organizing recreational activities, games, and outings that contribute to the children’s physical and social development. They encourage participation in arts and crafts, sports, and other extracurricular activities based on the children’s interests and abilities.
• Emotional and Social Development: Providing emotional support and guidance is crucial for the children’s well-being. The Deputy House Parent listens to the children’s concerns, offers encouragement, and helps them develop coping mechanisms for emotional challenges. They foster a positive and supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves and build healthy relationships with their peers and caregivers. They work collaboratively with the House Parent and other staff members to address any behavioral issues and create individual development plans.
• Life Skills Development: Equipping children with essential life skills is a key focus of this role. The Deputy House Parent helps children develop practical skills like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and basic financial management. They also assist in teaching essential social skills, including communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. They guide the children in developing self-care habits and promoting their independence and self-reliance.
• Safety and Protection: Ensuring the safety and protection of children is paramount. The Deputy House Parent is vigilant in identifying and reporting any potential risks or signs of abuse or neglect. They adhere to child protection policies and procedures and work closely with the House Parent and other staff members to maintain a secure and protective environment for all children.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of children’s progress, behavior, and any significant incidents is an essential duty. The Deputy House Parent assists in preparing reports for the House Parent and other relevant authorities. They document daily activities, observations, and interactions with the children, ensuring confidentiality and data accuracy.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively as part of a team is crucial for the success of the Children’s Home. The Deputy House Parent collaborates closely with the House Parent, other staff members, and external agencies to ensure the holistic development and well-being of the children. They actively participate in team meetings, share information, and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Professional Development: Staying updated with current best practices in child care and development is important for continuous improvement. The Deputy House Parent actively participates in training programs and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. They seek guidance and mentorship from senior staff members and contribute to the overall improvement of the Children’s Home’s operations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with a High School Diploma or equivalent, combined with substantial experience in childcare, may also be considered.
• Prior experience working with children in a residential setting is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development principles, child rights, and child protection.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, patience, active listening, and the ability to build rapport with children.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Proficiency in local languages and a basic understanding of English is essential.

Specific Skills:

• Child Care Expertise: Possessing a comprehensive understanding of child development stages and the specific needs of children in residential care. This includes knowledge of age-appropriate activities, behavior management techniques, and strategies for fostering emotional and social well-being.
• Communication Prowess: Effectively communicating with children of different age groups and backgrounds, using age-appropriate language and communication styles. Maintaining open and respectful communication with colleagues, supervisors, and external agencies involved in the children’s care.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding toward children who may have experienced trauma, neglect, or challenging life circumstances. Managing personal emotions effectively and maintaining a calm and reassuring presence in stressful situations.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying and addressing potential challenges or risks to the children’s safety and well-being. Implementing appropriate interventions and seeking guidance from senior staff when necessary.
• Organizational Abilities: Managing multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Maintaining organized records and documentation related to the children’s care and development.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with the House Parent, other staff members, and external agencies. Sharing information and contributing to a positive and supportive team environment.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to reside within the Children’s Home premises and be available for the children’s needs round the clock.
• A clear police background check and medical clearance are mandatory.
• Commitment to upholding the values and principles of the National Human Rights Commission.

This comprehensive job description outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the Deputy House Parent position within the NHRC. This role plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of children residing in Children’s Homes, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development into responsible and contributing members of society. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep passion for working with children, a strong understanding of child development principles, and a commitment to upholding the rights and protecting the welfare of vulnerable children.