Helpline Volunteer

Job Description

Childline Zimbabwe is a Private Voluntary Organisation which is registered under the laws of Zimbabwe, specialising in child protection, championing, guarding and protecting their rights through the provision of safe, confidential and child friendly reporting mechanisms centred around a free 24-hour counselling services. It seeks to recruit qualified and experienced individuals to volunteer in the National Helpline.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Answer calls and messages received via the National helpline and make accurate record of the discussion in accordance with Childline case management standard operating procedures.
• Providing direct counselling & therapeutic support to children who have been abused
• Assess the nature and urgency of callers' needs and concerns by asking relevant questions and probing for additional information.
• Give appropriate information and make relevant referrals for cases.
• Participate in Training and Professional Development
• Work collaboratively with other helpline volunteers and staff members to ensure the smooth operation of the helpline service
• Compiling monthly reports
• Any other activities within the volunteer’s competency that may be assigned by the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 5 O’ levels including English
• A Qualification and significant experience in counselling and working with children and families.
• Demonstrate knowledge of topical child protection issues, child development, child rights and child abuse.
• The preferred volunteer should be able to speak at least 3 National languages spoken in Zimbabwe
• Ability to maintain composure and remain calm in stressful and emotionally charged situations.
• Excellent active listening skills and the ability to convey empathy and understanding over the phone.

How to Apply

Qualified, experienced and motivated individuals are encouraged to apply for the above stated position which has become vacant at Childline Zimbabwe. Volunteers for Childline should be driven by the passion to improve the lives of children and not for any material pursuit. Due to the nature of work, volunteers should be available to work night shifts and should be flexible to work during public holidays.
A detailed CV together with certified copies of academic and professional qualification must be attached to the application and sent to the following email: [email protected] and copy [email protected]

VacancyHQ Expert Job Listing Tips

Here are my insights to the job listing:

  1. Tips for applicants:

    • Showcase your experience in counselling and working with children and families prominently in your CV, emphasising your knowledge in child protection issues, child development, child rights and child abuse.
    • Highlight your language skills, specifically your proficiency in at least 3 National languages spoken in Zimbabwe.
    • Leading with empathy and composure is a critical attribute for this role; weave in instances where you remained calm in emotionally charged situations.
    • Share evidence of your collaborative skills and ability to work harmoniously within a diverse team.
    • As an organisation that values volunteers, demonstrating your passion towards child welfare is important. Include any past volunteering experiences or nonprofit organizations you've been affiliated with.
  2. Things to consider in the job listing:

    • Note the emphasis on volunteers and the requirement for flexibility, including working night shifts and public holidays.
    • The email application procedure; follow the instruction carefully to send your application to the stated email.
    • Even if you do not meet the criteria fully, conveying a strong passion to improve the lives of children may give you a leg up.
    • There's no application deadline mentioned. It's advisable to apply as soon as possible.
    • Consider contacting recruitment agencies in Zimbabwe to assist with your application, they're familiar with job offers in Zimbabwe and they understand how employment opportunities in Zimbabwe work.
  3. Things to stand out

    • Offer examples in your CV where you went beyond the call of duty, demonstrating passion and dedication to protect child rights.
    • Showcase any additional skills or training, such as crisis intervention or trauma counselling, that would make you an asset to the National Helpline.
    • An engaging and professional cover letter expressing your drive for safeguarding children's welfare in Zimbabwe can leave a lasting impression.
  4. Important things to note

    • 'O Levels Including English', in fact, requires good English proficiency.
    • It's not just about having counselling experience, but also significant experience in working with children and families.
    • Beyond language proficiency, having sensitivity and understanding of the cultural nuances related to the national languages spoken in Zimbabwe can serve as an advantage.

In my experience, each of these aspects can significantly affect your chances of securing the desired job. Navigating job vacancies in Zimbabwe, similar to job vacancies in Zim, calls for attention to detail. And remember, job search in Zimbabwe becomes much easier if you’re open to learning from the process. Of course, the landscape of Zimbabwean jobs can be challenging, so ensure you keep track of the jobs in ZW that genuinely interest you. Remember, even ngo jobs in Zimbabwe or ngo vacancies in Zimbabwe require a synergistic blend of passion, professionalism and due diligence.

Childline Zimbabwe ~~ 0 logo

Location: Bulawayo
Company: Childline Zimbabwe ~~ 0
Expiry Date: 2023-12-15 00:00:00