Welfare Officer

Position/Employment type:

Welfare Officer

Organization/Reporting line:

Reporting to HSE Officer/Manager

Place of work/Travel:

GardaWorld Lilongwe, Blantyre, Dwangwa, Nchalo Malawi

Contact and Cooperation:

Internally: Main cooperation with Senior Management, QHSE and Compliance Manager, HSE Managers/Officers

Externally:  Clients,

Job Summary:

The Welfare Officer is responsible for ensuring the well-being and safety of employees and the community where we work in especially targeting the vulnerable members of the society. Their focus is creating a supportive environment for everyone in the communities in which the company operates.

Key Responsibilities:

1. To develop and contribute to workplace initiatives to promote psychological wellbeing. ​
2. To actively contribute to challenging stigma and judgement surrounding mental health in the workplace​ 
3. To identify local sources of psychosocial support and to establish relationships with local providers. 

4. Support implementation of the company’s Safeguarding/PSEA Policy and Code of Conduct.
5. Conduct regular training/refresher sessions for staff and contractors on PSEA standards, zero tolerance, and mandatory reporting/whistle blowing policy.
6. Create a focal point for safe, confidential reporting of concerns.
7. Manage survivor’s referral for medical, psychosocial, and legal support.
8. Support HR in investigation of all allegations against staff and that cases are escalated through the proper disciplinary and legal channels.
9. Maintain a safeguarding incident register and help with investigations where required.
10. Submit periodic reports on sensitisation activities, incidents received, referrals made, challenges.
11. Liaise with local authorities, police, child protection officers, NGOs, and health facilities.
12. Support survivors with referrals and follow-up, respecting confidentiality and survivor-centred approach.
13. Work with local leaders, schools, youth groups, and women’s groups to build trust and open reporting pathways.

Authority:

As directed and delegated by the QHSE and Compliance Manager.

Accountability:

The Welfare Officer is accountable to the QHSE & Compliance Manager for their responsibilities stated in this job description. These responsibilities will be monitored and managed through the mid-year and annual performance review and supported through the monitoring of their KPI’s.

Competencies:

1. Must have strong interpersonal skills, integrity, problem solving abilities and a deep commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the 6 guiding principles of trauma informed practice and how these can be promoted and implemented in the workplace.​ 
3. Demonstrate key personal attributes such as accessibility and pragmatism as well as the strength to challenge prohibited practices/workplace behaviours/cultures. ​ 
4. Demonstrate motivation and a commitment to develop a positive culture within the workplace.​ 
5. Be creative, adaptable and flexible and to communicate effectively with different groups (i.e. people from different cultures/backgrounds, senior management and the welfare team) 

Qualifications & Experience:

• A diploma in either Nursing or psychosocial field with a bias in counselling or related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years experience in community services with specific focus on facilitating counselling and creating community initiatives or interventions targeted at vulnerable members of the society.
• Strong understanding of different cultures and cultural norms