Protection (Psychosocial Support) Officer

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

WHO ARE WE?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty, and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

The overall purpose of the role:

The Psychosocial Support Officer, under the direct supervision of the Protection Team Leader in Kunar, is primarily responsible for providing psychosocial counseling to the project beneficiaries and targeted communities, case management, referrals and follow-up, awareness raising, liaising with government and other key stakeholders, and conducting training.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group psychosocial counseling to the project beneficiaries in the target communities and/or at the community center.
• Ensure professional psychological assessment and support for all beneficiary cases, and closely monitor and document the psychological recovery of cases.
• Produce and maintain accurate records of the beneficiaries’ cases, and keep all case documents locked/protected and confidential.
• Provide referral of beneficiaries for additional assistance, as needed, to internal and external service providers.
• Conduct psychosocial information awareness-raising sessions in the targeted communities.
• Engage the men and women of the community in discussions around women’s rights and gender-based violence.
• Identify problems with GBV and access to services and provide recommendations to mitigate them.
• Set up a monitoring system to evaluate the effectiveness and the impact of the planned individual and group psychological support on the beneficiaries.
• Support/give training to DRC-DDG staff on how to identify signs of possible abuse affecting the beneficiaries at the center and encountered through outreach and awareness-raising activities
• Support/give training to other local actors and community members on psychological first aid (PFA), identification, and referral of persons in need of psychosocial support, including principles of working with children and survivors.
• Provide support in needs assessment surveys for future protection programming.
• Submit weekly progress reports of the activities to the line manager.
• Perform other relevant duties, as needed, or requested.

Key Deliverables:

• Daily psychosocial counseling and case management for clients at the community center and/or mobile clinics in the community.

Key stakeholders:

• Clients-IDPs, returnees, and host community members
• DRC/DDG staff in Kunar
• Partner Organizations
• Government stakeholders

To be successful in this role you must have:

Education/qualifications:

• University degree in Psychology or Social Work, and a valid certificate from the Ministry of Health certifying as a professional psychosocial counselor.
• An understanding of the basic principles of humanitarian work, human rights, protection, and the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees in Afghanistan.
• Interest in humanitarian work and human rights, ability, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to clearly express one’s thoughts, to analyze and present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Languages:

• Good knowledge of English, fluency in Pashto, and good knowledge of Dari

Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of work experience in psychological/psychosocial counseling, preferably with IDPs/refugees/returnees.
• Demonstrated strong experience working with vulnerable clients, including survivors of SGBV and victims of child abuse.
• Strong knowledge of child-friendly interviewing techniques and communicating with children.
• Familiarity with IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support In Emergency Settings.
• Understanding the psychosocial support needs of IDPs/refugees in Afghanistan.

We Offer:

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the DRC salary scale

Application process:

Interested? When applying for this position, all applicants must send a letter of motivation and a DRC Job Application form, you can access our job application form from the below link.

DRC Job Application form link: https://www.acbar.org/Document/8060869251.docx

Note: Please attach the completed application form instead of your CV along with your letter of motivation to the official DRC Job portal address mentioned in the job vacancy, Only DRC Job application form will be considered, please do not attach your CVs.