POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Children’s Mentor/Counselor will evangelize and counsel children in a biblical manner, forming mentoring relationships and creating a child-friendly environment for children and caregivers. They will promote a Christian culture within the playroom and playground, ensuring adherence to quality and safety guidelines. The Children’s Mentor/Counselor is responsible for fostering psychosocial support and moral connections among the children by offering hope, aspiration, and motivation. Serving as a peer mentor and navigator to parents of children with orthopedic conditions referred to the CURE hospital, they will model positive parenting and support early intervention processes. Additionally, they will build relationships with the children to encourage positive family and peer interactions, child development, and sound decision-making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Evangelize, disciple, and pray with children at the hospital.
2. Encourage and counsel the children in a biblically based manner, as per their needs.
3. Organize and conduct psychosocial support activities, i.e., art therapy sessions, play sessions, video showings, and other ministry-related activities for the children.
4. Facilitate access to relevant faith-based literature, books, and Bibles for children and families.
5. Conduct spiritual follow-ups of new believers realized from the playroom and playground ministry.
6. Empower children to accept their current situation and develop coping strategies for the future.
7. Identify appropriate communication and coordination to ensure smooth processes within the playroom.
8. Coordinate the assigned work of the counseling with other staff members to ensure proper counseling care services are provided for patients and their families.
9. Work closely with the CURE kids coordinator.
10. Together with the Spiritual Centre Manager/Associate, coordinate Sunday programs.
11. Host volunteers who work in the children’s ministry.
12. Provide pastoral care in staff devotions, chapel, and outpatient clinics.
13. Write children’s stories based on given guidelines and children’s names on their beds for identification.
14. Maintenance of all equipment and apparatus in the playroom, including cleaning all toys as per the quality and infection control guidelines.
15. As an integral member of the Spiritual team, participate in scheduled departmental meetings, ward ministry, coworkers’ discipleship activities, i.e., departmental devotions, chapel, mobile clinics, and/or outreach programs.
16. Work with the rest of the team members to achieve the other set goals and objectives for the department.
17. Participate in any other duty assigned by the Spiritual Ministry leadership.

SECONDARY DUTIES

1. Uphold the highest standards of quality and efficiency in line with hospital quality programs (e.g. Safecare, DOH, etc.) requirements.
2. Ensure a safe and secure work environment by strictly adhering to infection prevention and control protocols such as but not limited to handwashing, wearing of PPE, etc.
3. Commit to sustainable and eco-friendly work practices by minimizing waste, optimizing resource usage and actively participating in initiatives that promote environmental stewardship.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the co-worker for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Co-worker must perform other tasks, duties, and projects as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Holds at least a certificate or diploma in theological/ Biblical training/ children ministry Ministry.
2. Two or more years of experience in children related ministry especially in areas of evangelism, discipleship, counseling, biblical teaching and psychosocial support.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrate mature Christian faith with a close personal relationship with the Lord, evidenced by a strong prayer life, commitment to and love for the Word of God and a call to ministry.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English and the national language(s) of their respective country.
3. Administrative Skills: Assisting with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing events or retreats, managing communications, and maintaining records.
4. Leadership Skills: Having the ability to lead small groups or discussions on spiritual topics, under the guidance of the Spiritual Director.
5. Supportive Presence: Being a compassionate and empathetic listener, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their spiritual journey.
6. Flexible and Adaptable: Being willing to assist in various capacities as needed, whether it’s supporting group activities, coordinating logistics, or providing one-on-one guidance.

COMPETENCIES:

1. Communication Skills: Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret information; talk with patients and caregivers; listen well.
2. Conflict Management: Able to use a positive win-win approach to resolve conflict; stay objective and fair when dealing with sensitive situations; maintain constructive working relationships despite disagreement.
3. Decision Making & Problem Solving: Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment, a realistic understanding of issues and trust in God; able to remain objective, even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.
4. Relationship Management: Able to develop rapport with others and recognize their concerns and feelings: build and maintain long-term associations based on trust; help others.
5. Respecting Diversity: Able to adapt behavior to others’ styles; interact with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; be of service to difficult people; optimize the benefits of having a diverse workforce

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a co-worker encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. The co-worker must perform all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a co-worker to perform the essential duties of this position successfully.

1. The co-worker must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
2. While performing the duties of this position, the co-worker is required to:
   1. Frequently; sit, use fine finger dexterity, talk, and hear.
   2. Occasionally; stand, walk, reach with hands and arms.
3. The co-worker must perform all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Beit CURE Children’s Hospital Malawi is an equal opportunity employer that also promotes disability inclusion. As such, qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.