About the Foundation
Comuna Project is a social innovation lab based in Comuna 13 of Medellín. From the heart of the Las Independencias neighborhood, we develop community processes that create real opportunities through education, mental health support, and the empowerment of girls, youth, and families. Our work is guided by a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach, and a firm belief in the community’s power as a driver of transformation.
Our initiatives include free English classes, psychological support, parenting programs, and a newly launched Girls’ Empowerment School for ages 9 to 13, inspired by the Apne Aap Women Worldwide model.
Apne Aap’s mission is to eradicate sex trafficking and forced prostitution by empowering girls and women to resist and end sexual slavery. They support marginalized women and girls by providing access to physical safety, education, self-esteem, government welfare, housing, healthcare, legal protection, and local support networks.
Role Description
We are looking for a Social Worker to join the Comuna Project social innovation lab and actively participate in the implementation of community-based projects with a psychosocial, gender-sensitive, and intersectional focus. This role is crucial in supporting community therapy groups, strengthening social bonds, and coordinating with partner universities and institutions.
Responsibilities:
- Support girls and families in the Girls’ Empowerment School, fostering autonomy, emotional well-being, and holistic development
- Design and implement psychosocial group interventions with a gender and differential approach (children, youth, racialized communities, conflict victims, etc.)
- Lead and facilitate participatory workshops for girls and parents, focusing on empowerment, violence prevention, and life planning
- Coordinate university partnerships for internships, research, or volunteering related to our community projects
- Conduct individual and group follow-ups with participants, identifying risks and activating support protocols when needed
- Contribute to the development and improvement of community-based intervention methodologies
- Collaborate with the “Parenting School” to encourage active family involvement in their daughters’ educational process
- Coordinate with the pedagogical team (English, Math, Martial Arts instructors) to ensure a comprehensive approach to the girls’ learning
- Document experiences, write reports, and provide feedback from a critical and transformative perspective
Required Profile
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Experience in community-based projects, preferably in low-income urban contexts
- Knowledge and experience in gender and intersectional approaches
- Skills in pedagogical and therapeutic work with children, youth, and families
- Strong teamwork, active listening, and community trust-building abilities
- High social sensitivity and ethical commitment to community transformation
- Availability to work on Saturdays and adapt to community dynamics
Desirable
- Experience coordinating with universities (internships, research, partnerships)
- Knowledge of participatory methodologies, action research, social innovation, or community intervention
- Experience with girls or women in empowerment or violence prevention programs.
- Familiarity with the Apne Aap model or similar protection and empowerment programs
Conditions
- Contract: To be agreed (service contract or employment, depending on profile and budget)
- Schedule: Mainly Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with additional weekday activities as needed. Salary: To be determined
Salary: To be determined
If you are interested in being part of this transformative project and meet the described profile, please send your resume and a motivation letter to \[foundation's email address] before \[application deadline].
We look forward to your application 🙂
