We are seeking experienced male and female Social Workers to join our social work team providing a range of social work, counseling and support services for boys and young men who have experienced sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as their families and supporters.

First Step also delivers high quality training, advocacy events, consultation, supervision, support and follow-up, to a range of practitioners, other projects and NGOs within social welfare, medical and legal professions. We focus our efforts in three main areas of intervention for survivors and victims: support following sexual abuse, prevention & protection and advocacy & education.

Background to the project:

First Step Cambodia (FSC) is a local NGO that was initially established in April 2010 as a project of the Chab Dai Coalition and registered as a local NGO since 2012 to provide social work and support services for male survivors and victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. FSC also provides social work services for families, care givers and supporters of sexual abuse and in addition, a range of support services and training to staff from NGOs working with boys, young men and adults affected by sexual abuse.

Our Vision: A Cambodia in which all children, young people and adults are free from sexual abuse and exploitation and are protected by all in society - and those who are impacted by abuse, have easily accessible, safe, appropriate and sensitive support and services, enabling them to fulfil their potential. 

Our Mission: The mission of First Step Cambodia is to actively engage with all relevant individuals and organisations to ensure that children and young people are protected from sexual abuse and exploitation of any kind; to raise awareness of the issues in the wider society and to improve the understanding and responses of professionals and communities of sexual abuse and exploitation. For those who have been affected by abuse, we aim to provide a range of confidential, free and easily accessible services that are sensitive to the individual needs of those we support. This will be achieved through active engagement and building partnerships with children, young people, their families, carers and supporters, communities, organisations and all institutions that affect their lives.

Since FSC started operations in Cambodia in April 2010 it has provided a range of services for boys and young men who are at risk of, or who have been affected by sexual abuse and exploitation. The activities of the project relate to three broad headings, namely Prevention and Protection, Support and Education & Advocacy.

• University Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field (for example psychology, sociology, health, education or community/international development), preferable though not essential;
• A minimum of three years working in a social service, NGO, or governmental organisation that includes supporting victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, including those with mental health difficulties, is essential;
• Experience of counselling or social work in relation to working with boys and young men would be an advantage;
• Minimum three years experience developing, delivering and evaluating advocacy is highly desirable;
• Strong organisational skills, including those related to prioritising, planning and management of case work and advocacy related activities;
• Be able to demonstrate clear critical thinking and analytical skills;
• Possess a strong commitment to social justice and the development of services within the field of sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. Must be able to demonstrate genuine compassion and empathy;
• Self awareness and an openness to learning and new ideas;
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, in Khmer and desirable English;
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team;
• Must be willing to travel to other provinces from time to time to carry out project activities;
• Computer skills (e.g. MS Microsoft programs) desirable.

• Receive ‘on the job’ training and mentoring Project Manager (PM) for minimum of six months;
• Carry a caseload of clients including boys and their families, keeping accurate and confidential records;
• Work professionally within project policies and codes of conduct, including those related to ethical social work practice, child protection and confidentiality;
• Facilitation awareness raising workshops and events;
• Share facilitation of meetings and support forums for other NGOs and staff;
• Contribute to the continued development of the First Step Cambodia Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) tools and resources;
• Play a meaningful and active role in the project reviews, social work and team meetings;
• Take an active role in individual and group support & supervision meetings;
• Contribute to the development of project planning;
• Take part in and contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes for all core activities of the project;
• Contribute to the continued development of social work tools and resources;
• Meet and liaise with donors and supporters as assigned by the PM;
• Working as a positive member of the team;
• Any additional responsibilities as appropriately assigned by the PM.

Conditions of employment:
Social Work posts are full time positions that will be based at the First Step office in Siem Reap. The salary will be dependent upon experience and qualifications but will be competitive in relation to similar posts.

Social Worker will be supported and managed by the Social Work Manager and Senior Social Workers. First Step has a strong commitment towards individual and personal development and will provide regular, high quality support, supervision and learning opportunities for its staff.

Note: Successful candidates will be asked to provide a criminal record check provided by the Ministry of Justice.
Applications for this post close on Friday 15th July at 4.30 PM
The application should include:

A cover letter with a SUMMARY of (a) how you meet the qualifications described and (b) why you are applying for the post.
A copy of your CV or RESUME with TWO REFEREES. Please state your expected salary and address the application to us by using contact details below. Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to bring copies of their qualifications to interview. Please do not submit copies of your qualifications with your application.

Interviews are expected to take place within two weeks of the application closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you need directions to the First Step Cambodia office you may call us via our office number below.