Technical Advisor - Social Work

Organizational Background:

RTCCD is an accredited institution in providing training on, research in, and community interventions for community health development in Vietnam. RTCCD is a pioneer organization in Vietnam for promoting community health development, including early intervention for child health and development, social work in health care, eco-health, and community-based mental health care.  In addition to training and research, RTCCD runs the TuNa clinic I in Hanoi (Hai Ba Trung district) providing primary mental health care services for mothers and children for the past 7 years. In early 2013, the TuNa Clinic II will be operational in a remote, mountainous area, Bac Giang, to provide maternal mental health and comprehensive child development and early intervention services. Pregnant women will be eligible for services throughout the perinatal period and for at least the first three months postpartum to prevent and treat postpartum depression and anxiety, provide education on child rearing practices, as well as identify and treat any early childhood development issues.  RTCCD also provides technical support to DOLISA Quang Ninh and Van Don District Hospital to establish a model of social work and primary mental health care from 2012-2015 that will contribute to evidence-based policy development.

HealthRight International is a global health and human rights organization working where health is diminished or endangered by violations of human rights and civil liberties.  Reaching out to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, HealthRight works with local partners to build sustainable access to health care for excluded populations.

RTCCD and HealthRight International are looking for an experienced candidate (Vietnamese) to serve as Technical Advisor- Social Work, focusing on child protection services for orphans and vulnerable children through the lens of case management and community-based care for at-risk children and their families.

Position Information:
Position title:         Technical Advisor - Social Work
Internal Report to:    Tran Tuan, Director, RTCCD
External Report to:     Asia Program Director, HealthRight International         
Contract:         One year contract, starting July 2012
Base in:        Ha Noi with travel to project provinces as needed

Outline of Role:

Building on HealthRight International’s technical expertise, the technical advisor will identify gaps in pre-service and in-service training in social work skills and knowledge, case management and child protection services. The technical advisor will work with HealthRight’s technical resource team and existing materials to draft, adapt and pilot pre-service and in-service training modules for case workers and social service providers. The Advisor will also provide ongoing training, mentoring and social work systems development for RTCCD staff, programs and partners.

Main Duties: Under the day-to-day management of RTCCD, the Technical Advisor - Social Work is responsible for the following task areas:

- Develop high quality social work training packages for social service providers based on gaps in existing curricula.  Examples of specific topics could include social work in health care settings, alternative care, child protection, case management, family counseling, strengthening families, addressing alcohol and drug addiction, identifying and addressing domestic violence, etc.,
- Strengthen professional development of RTCCD staff and systems in social work skills and knowledge.
- Develop working relationships and networks with other agencies working on social work development and child protection services.
- Advocate for quality social work systems and professional development in government health and social services systems alongside RTCCD research and advocacy activities.
- Assist RTCCD Vice-Director and social work/mental health project managers in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on social service activities.

Selection Criteria:

- University and/ or advanced degree in fields relevant to social work and/or child welfare;
- Previous experience with international or local NGO or aid management organizations;
- A minimum of five years demonstrated experience in social work practice and/or social work training and development;
- Experience in capacity building with national staff and/or civil society organisations;
- Demonstrated commitment to child protection and early intervention services for orphans and vulnerable children. 
- Self motivated, enthusiastic approach to social work development and child welfare services in Vietnam.
- Demonstrated skills and practical experience in either one or more of the areas of child protection, public health, social work, mental health, training and advocacy would be a major advantage;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Vietnamese and English.

Interested candidates should send a full English CV and cover letter addressing selection criteria to: Ms. Huynh Thi Quynh Chi, RTCCD Office Manager (email: [email protected] ).  Closing date to apply for this position: 15/07/2012. The short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews. Please no telephone contact after submitting the application.