Matron/Cook

Location: Nkokonjeru, Mukono District

Reports To: Kipindi Mpito, Program Manager

Type: Full Time (7days a week during the learning period and off during term holidays)

The position of Matron/cook is one of significant importance and responsibility. The matron has a special role in helping to create a loving, happy, and well-disciplined atmosphere throughout the home. Working under the direction of the Kipindi Mpito Program Manager, the matron is required to play a key role in the physical, emotional, and spiritual care of all the students in the house on a day-to-day basis.

The following is a description of the responsibilities and duties of the Matron. A list of expected responsibilities and duties can be neither definitive nor exclusive. Much depends on the way in which the house team works together. The expected responsibilities and duties, however, of the matron include but are not limited to:

1. The matron is responsible for the spiritual care, health, and welfare of the students in the house.

2. The matron reports directly to the Kipindi Mpito Program Manager on all matters relating to the welfare of girls/boys and the condition of the house. The matron ensures that the right care is given to the girls/boys and always monitors their well-being. This is done by facilitating and contributing to the various routines of the house. These routines encourage high standards of hygiene and respectful relationships within the house and on campus.

3. The matron should be an approachable, kind, and friendly person who is available to all without discrimination or favoritism. It is the nature of the role that girls/boys may confide in them from time to time, and the matron will need to listen and exercise sound, professional, and spiritual judgement. This will require a caring attitude in line with an understanding of the principles of confidentiality and information sharing, so that matters can be dealt with as they arise, while the welfare and happiness of the students in the matron’s care is ensured. To this end, the matron makes herself/himself available for training courses and professional development that are in line with FCW’s vision and mission.

4. The matron’s role is to participate fully in the life of the house. Consequently, the matron is expected to prepare all meals and eat with the students. Attendance at recreation, visitation, and social events during the program is also expected. This involvement helps develop a positive and supportive relationship with the students and their families.

5. The matron should establish close relationships and good communication with parents and caregivers, taking an early opportunity to do so at the start of the program year, and being available to talk to parents and caregivers, especially at the beginning and end of every term and during visitation times.

6. Although the role is not primarily a disciplinary one, the matron must uphold the policies of the program and maintain an orderly and respectful atmosphere in the house and among the students.

The matron plays a crucial part in ensuring continuous adult supervision of the students.

1. Be responsible for the students’ general welfare and health, including planning and preparing all meals for both staff and students.

2. Help new students to settle in and to look after all students in the house, both on a day-to-day basis and in helping them individually to cope with adjusting to home life at FCW. This will involve listening to their problems over a wide range of simple issues and directing them to the Program manager to handle more complicated issues. The matron is expected to create a friendly and happy atmosphere in the house.

3. Ensure that the students are using good hygiene and are appropriately dressed.

4. Monitor the behavior of students within the house, both good and bad, and alert the Program manager to both types.

5. Be aware of child protection laws and procedures, and are required to report and/or act accordingly based on Ugandan law.

6. Monitor students’ daily routine (including punctuality, meal attendance, and diets) to help the students meet expected standards and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1. Assess illness, deal with minor medical issues in the house, and defer to the designated program doctor or clinic for all other medical issues. All health issues, whether minor or major, must be reported to the Nurse and the Kipindi Mpito Program Manager.

2. Act as a first aider in the event of a medical emergency in the house, liaising with the nurse or clinic, and take emergency cases to a hospital where appropriate.

3. Communicate students’ medical issues effectively with the Nurse, Kipindi Mpito Program Manager, and/or Assistant Country Director.

1. Facilitate group bible studies, teachings, and prayer weekly.

2. Encourage students to have quality alone time for personal study and prayer.

3. Ensure students attend weekly church service together at the local FCW-designated church.

4. Ensure movies, TV programs, music, or any other digital or print media that are allowed in the house are appropriate and do not contradict biblical morals.

5. Be available to the students for one-on-one spiritual mentorship, encouragement, and prayer as needed.

1. Ensure that there is a clean and pleasant environment in the house throughout the program. Work with the students to develop a fair and regular cleaning routine.

2. Supervise the washing of students’ clothes. Work to ensure that the students’ personal clothing and items throughout the house (like curtains, bedding, and towels) are kept in good repair and accounted for.

3. Liaise with the KM Program Manager and Lead Guard to ensure that satisfactory and safe standards are maintained in the house and around the compound, including reporting any necessary repair or maintenance work to the Compound Manager and/or KM Program Manager.

4. Liaise with the KM Program Manager on necessary reports and improvements to the furnishings, furniture, and fabric of the house.

1. Be familiar with the fire-safety procedures of the house as the responsible person on site in the event of a fire.

Work hours will vary according to the program schedule, needs, and holidays; however, the matron/cook will be expected to work a minimum of 6 days per week. This will occasionally include weekends and holidays as necessary for the program.