Safe Schools Officer (SSO)

Zindagi Trust; Karachi Division; On-site; PKR 669,600 - 1,004,400; Full time

Job summary

Zindagi Trust is hiring a full-time Safe Schools Officer (SSO) to support safeguarding, child protection, and student wellbeing initiatives at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls Secondary School in Karachi. The role focuses on prevention, timely response to concerns, and coordination of support following established procedures.

The SSO will identify risk, maintain confidential records, and work with counselors, teachers, and leadership to promote safe reporting and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience working with children or adolescents.
• Training in child protection, safeguarding, or basic counseling skills is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Receive, document, and report all student wellbeing and child protection concerns.
• Conduct initial safety assessments and elevate cases to the Head of Safe Schools.
• Maintain secure, accurate, and up-to-date case records.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate sessions on anti-bullying, digital safety, and personal safety.
• Engage with parents in non-crisis cases and support referrals to external services.
• Support reintegration of students after incidents or extended absence.

Skills

Child safeguarding knowledge

Risk identification

Confidentiality

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Zindagi Trust is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes and opportunities for children in public sector schools across Pakistan. We are committed to fostering a high-quality learning environment and driving impactful change through innovative academic and co-curricular programs, as well as advocacy for policy reform.

We Are Hiring – Safe Schools Officer (SSO)

Zindagi Trust is actively seeking a full-time Safe Schools Officer (SSO) to support safeguarding, child protection, and student wellbeing initiatives at our adopted government schools in Karachi:

SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls Secondary School (SMB), Garden West

Role Purpose

The Safe Schools Officer (SSO) is responsible for safeguarding, early identification of risk, and promoting student wellbeing across the school. The role focuses on prevention, timely response to concerns, and coordination of support, ensuring that all child protection procedures are followed effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Receive, document, and report all student wellbeing and child protection concerns.

Conduct initial safety assessments and elevate cases to the Head of Safe Schools (HSS).

Maintain accurate, confidential records of all cases.

Monitor at-risk students and ensure appropriate follow-up.

Support implementation of the school’s Child Protection Policy and reporting mechanisms.

Early Identification & Student Support

Identify early warning signs of emotional, behavioral, or safety concerns.

Conduct brief, supportive check-ins with students where appropriate.

Provide immediate, non-therapeutic support and refer cases to the counselor when needed.

Support reintegration of students following incidents or extended absence.

Plan and deliver age-appropriate sessions on:

Anti-bullying

Digital safety

Personal safety and boundaries

Contribute to Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) or similar programs.

Promote safe reporting practices among students.

Teacher/Staff Value Programming

Build sensitivity in teachers regarding child safety, child development, emotional regulation, etc.

Support teachers in positive classroom management techniques, understanding and responding to student safety and wellbeing concerns. Guide staff on appropriate reporting and classroom-level responses. Work closely with the counselor, school leadership, and safeguarding team.

Parent & External Coordination

Engage with parents in non-crisis cases, where appropriate and guided by the HSS.

Support referrals to external services (e.g., mental health, child protection services).

Maintain updated referral pathways and resources.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain secure, accurate, and up-to-date case records.

Track trends and recurring concerns.

Contribute to periodic safeguarding and wellbeing reports.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, or a related field.

2–5 years of experience working with children or adolescents.

Prior experience in schools, NGOs, or youth programs preferred.

Training in child protection, safeguarding, or basic counseling skills is an advantage.

Trauma-informed training/awareness preferred.

Core Competencies

Strong understanding of child safeguarding principles

Ability to identify risk and exercise sound judgment

Effective communication with children and adults

High level of confidentiality and professional integrity

Strong documentation and organizational skills

Ability to remain calm and objective in sensitive situations

Working Approach

Student-centered and safety-focused

Preventive rather than reactive

Confidential and protocol-driven

For SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls Secondary School (SMB FJ), Garden West

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