Open to opportunities

Taonga Banda

@taongabanda

Message

Energetic social worker with expertise in child counseling and support.

Zambia

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to support vulnerable populations and foster community well-being.

I am an energetic and ambitious social worker with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Mulungushi University. My professional journey has been marked by a commitment to providing psychosocial support and effective case management, particularly for vulnerable populations. I have honed my skills through various roles, including my current position as a Senior Facility Coordinator for the USAID ECAP 1 Project, where I coordinate facility activities and provide mentorship to community volunteers.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong ability to work under pressure and deliver results within deadlines. My experience includes providing psychosocial support to families affected by tuberculosis, managing data for the DREAMS Project, and volunteering in various capacities to support juvenile offenders. I am a registered member of the Social Workers Association of Zambia and have received specialized training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and adherence counseling.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Facility Coordinator

Current

USAID ECAP 1 PROJECT

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 5 months)

Coordinated facility activities, child case management, and compiled reports. Tracked clients on ART to accelerate the attainment of "95-95-95" targets. Provided technical support and mentorship to community volunteers.

Data Collection Technical Support Mentorship HIV ART Tracking

Social Worker

Occupational Health and Safety Institute

Dec 2018 - Dec 2020 (2 years)

Provided psychosocial support to families diagnosed with Tuberculosis, focusing on coping with terminal illnesses and disabilities. Conducted contact tracing, community mobilization, and facilitated counselling sessions. Performed home visits and follow-ups for clients.

Counselling Contact Tracing HIV Testing Referrals Home Visits Claims Management Terminal Illness Support

Connector

Catholic Medical Mission Board

Mar 2018 - Nov 2018 (8 months)

Managed daily operations of the DREAMS safe space for OVCs, including data management and entry in DHIS2. Mobilized adolescent girls and supervised mentors, providing technical support. Conducted regular impact assessments and HIV testing.

Data Management DHIS2 Adolescent Girls Mobilization Mentor Technical Support Impact Assessments HIV Testing OVC Management

Social Work Volunteer

UNDIKUMBUKIRE Project

Jan 2018 - Feb 2018 (1 month)

Monitored the detention of juveniles in conflict with the law at police stations. Offered psychosocial support and counselling services. Carried out social background assessments for juveniles.

Juvenile Monitoring Counselling Social Background Assessments Conflict Resolution Youth Support

Social Work Volunteer

Bwafwano Integrated Services Organization

Jun 2014 - Aug 2014 (2 months)

Provided post-counselling services to HIV and TB patients. This role was part of a Rural Community Field Placement. Supported patients in managing their health and well-being.

Post Counselling TB Patient Support Community Health Field Placement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Mulungushi University

Bachelor of Arts, Social Work

Activities and societies: Served as secretary general at Mulungushi University Debate society (MUDS) from August 2014 to April 2016. Committee member for Mulungushi University Social Workers Association (MUSWA).

Completed a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts program focused on Social Work. Gained expertise in providing psychosocial support and community mobilization. Developed skills in counselling, case management, and client advocacy.