Psycho-Social Support Officer

Contract

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

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 400 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2023 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Protection Officer (PSS) for its activities in Kharkiv.

This position will report to the Protection Team Leader.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the management of the Protection Manager and Team Leader, the Protection Officer (PSS) will provide comprehensive psychosocial support (PSS) services to targeted individuals and communities. They will work closely with individuals, families and community groups to address their emotional, social and mental health needs and promote their recovery and resilience-building processes.

Main responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Team Leader, the Protection Officer (PSS) will:

• Together with the PSS Assistants, facilitate PSS group sessions for adults and children to promote mutual support, socialization, and positive coping strategies
• Support the development of PSS curricula for different groups
• Support the designing and delivery of psychoeducational awareness sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills
• Conduct PSS assessment needs at community level and collect other relevant information to improve de PSS activities
• Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed
• Proactively liaise with community members and leaders to coordinate PSS activities, as well as identify suitable community spaces to perform PSS activities
• Foster community participation and engagement PSS activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families and community stakeholders
• Identify and support community-based organization and/or volunteers, through awareness and capacity-building, l, to enhance the availability of community-based psychosocial support
• Plan and participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required, including on psychological first aid
• Contribute in developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation
• Ensure quality PSS support activities with the support of the PSS team
• Monitoring of PSS activities, evaluation and prepare regular reports, including achievements, challenges, and recommendations
• To support in translation of PSS documents and materials
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives

Required experience and competencies:

• Degree in psychology or social work is an asset
• Familiarity with social work or case management or counselling etc. is preferred but not required.
• Comfortable in speaking about sensitive topics and working with people in distress
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, staff members, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience supervising staff is desirable.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
• Good English language skills preferred.
• Ukrainian and Russian language skills required.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Required education: Degree in psychology or social work is an asset

We offer: Contract length: 3-months, renewable after satisfactory probation period. Level: H non-Manager Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv Start date: As soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process: This post is open to NATIONAL CANDIDATES ONLY. All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English).

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: November 24, but recruitment will be on rolling basis.

DRC as an employer By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise.
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do.
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution.
• Culture, values & strong leadership.
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers. Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!