Female Educator

Mission of the position: The Educator is responsible for planning and implementing educational programmes for individual children within the SOS Children’s Village and Youth Houses. Through her efforts the children are guided and supported to reach their full potential in developing the academic and practical skills required to earn a living and lead a well-balanced life.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Assists the Mothers to Create a Stimulating Learning Environment

Encourages SOS Mothers to play a significant role in their children’s education, stimulating their interest in learning within the home. Mothers must be guided to take a particular interest in the progress and achievements of the children at school.

Provides advice, guidance and support to Mothers on educational issues. SOS children must be made to see learning as a worthwhile, interesting and enjoyable activity.

Encourages and assists Mothers to improve their own educational skills so that they are able to provide greater educational support to their children. This includes the development and implementation of programmes to raise the educational level of Mothers.

Organises educational activities which the children will find interesting and enjoyable.

Assists with Village holiday programmes and activities, providing input as to possible educational activities.

Ensures Open Communication with Teachers and Schools

Acts as liaison between the Village children and the schools they are attending. This involves maintaining contact with teachers and other school staff as necessary.

Ensures that all teachers / trainers involved with SOS children are informed of how SOS operates. Encourages teachers to visit the Children’s Village to gain a deeper understanding of the children and their educational needs.

Attends Parent-Teacher Association meetings of all schools in which SOS children are enrolled, together with the Village Father and relevant SOS Mothers.

Keeps Informed of each Child’s Educational Development

Maintains active files on all Village children (including youth). Ensures such files contain all documentation relevant to each child’s academic progress, including reports and performance evaluations. Regularly updates such files.

Conducts regular reviews (at least half-yearly) of each child’s educational progress, together with the Village Father and relevant SOS Mother, in order to assess educational development and needs.

Addresses the Educational Needs of Each Child

Arranges additional educational support to meet the needs of individual children. This may include individual tutoring, after-school or holiday remedial classes.

Develops and coordinates a study programme for all Village children (e.g. guided home-work sessions) highlighting study methods and providing support in the children’s weaker areas, in order to improve academic performance.

Identifies alternative educational / vocational skills training opportunities for those children who are not progressing in community schools

Provides Educational and Career Guidance

Develops a clear understanding of each child’s skills, abilities, potential, future prospects, and aspirations.

Provides children with ongoing career counselling and job orientation designed to prepare them for their eventual independence.

Keeps informed of available vocational training and educational opportunities, including those offered by SOS locally and in other countries.

Works in close cooperation with the Youth Leaders, where applicable.

Qualifications Required:

At least college degree in social area

At least 2 years of continuous work experience, including responsibility of projects, experience in education, leadership and facility administration

Skills and Competencies:

Proven communication and organisational skills

Good English speaking and writing skills

Identification with the values of the organisation and willingness to contribute to its aims

Hard-working, dedicated and able to work under pressure