Residential Mentor

Position Title: Residential Mentor
Location: Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda
Reports To: Shelter Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time Position

About the Organization

The Organization is an International Non-Governmental Organization working with vulnerable women and female youth.

Position Summary

The Residential Mentor is responsible for providing emotional support, mentorship, and day-to-day care to participants in a residential setting. The role involves supporting personal development, promoting well-being, and maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Participant Care and Emotional Support

• Provide emotional support, encouragement, and mentorship to shelter participants.
• Assist participants in coping with personal challenges and life transitions.
• Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive living environment.
• Support participants in developing self-confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Serve as a positive role model through professional conduct and healthy interpersonal relationships.

2. Daily Living Support

• Assist participants with daily living activities and personal care where appropriate.
• Ensure adherence to shelter rules, routines, and policies.
• Promote healthy personal hygiene practices and life skills development.
• Teach practical life skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, time management, and household management.
• Encourage responsibility and participation in shelter activities and chores.

3. Health and Wellbeing

• Monitor participants' physical and emotional well-being.
• Coordinate access to medical services and follow-up care when required.
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices and good nutritional practices.
• Support the preparation and serving of balanced meals within the shelter.

4. Education and Development

• Support participants in pursuing educational and vocational opportunities.
• Organize and facilitate recreational, educational, and personal development activities.
• Encourage positive social interactions and community participation.

5. Shelter Operations and Safety

• Maintain a safe, orderly, and welcoming residential environment.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, emergency protocols, and safeguarding standards.
• Participate in emergency response and crisis management when required.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and organization of shelter facilities.

6. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, incident reports, and activity documentation.
• Prepare regular reports as required by management.
• Communicate significant participant concerns, incidents, or safeguarding issues promptly.

7. Team Collaboration

• Work closely with case managers, counselors, shelter staff, volunteers, and management.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of shelter services and participant outcomes.

8. Other Duties

• Perform other duties reasonably assigned by management consistent with the position.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Social Administration, Counselling, Education, Community Development, Psychology or related field

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years' relevant professional experience working with vulnerable individuals, youth, women, or community-based programs.
• Experience in residential care, counseling, mentorship, education, or psychosocial support is an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with confidentiality
• Ability to work in a structured residential environment

Other Requirements

• Fluent in English (Required).
• Knowledge of Ateso, Karimojong, or Swahili is an added advantage.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

• Monthly Basic salary: UGX 500,000 – UGX 650,000
• Benefits:
• On-site accommodation and meals provided
• Medical reimbursement (UGX 250,000 per year)
• Additional benefits may apply in line with organisational policy

Core Values

Successful candidates must demonstrate:

• Integrity and strong moral character
• Compassion and respect for others
• Teamwork, cooperation, and accountability
• Commitment to safeguarding and ethical conduct