WPE Social Worker

Job Description

Organization Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting IDPs, refugees and various institutions in the country notably the government, community-based organizations, the civil society, and the private sector. The current program portfolio in Uganda includes health, economic recovery and development, protection, and prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV). IRC has its country office in Kampala and works in Yumbe/Bidibidi, Arua/Imvepi and Omugo, Kitgum, Moroto, Kiryandongo and Kyegegwa/Kyaka.

At the start of 2020, the IRC provided life- saving services to new refugee arrivals from South Sudan through Elegu border point to Arua district that were being received at the Ocea Reception Center in Rhino Camp. It was indicated that the movement was as a result of smaller rebel groups in South Sudan who had organized themselves in bandit groups causing violence. On average, there were 180 new arrivals daily most of whom were women and children. Building on IRC’s expertise in responding to emergencies and protection within Uganda and internationally, the IRC will establish Women’s Protection and Empowerment programming to respond to lifesaving needs of women and girls affected by violence during fight and beyond while they settle within Tika.

Scope of Work

The WPE Social Worker will provide case management and psychosocial support to refugee and host community women and girls in within Ocea in Rhino Camp. He/She will provide women and girls access to information, services, and build informal support networks with other women at the Women Center and via mobile services. The Social Worker will provide case management services to survivors of GBV, as well as psychosocial support and counseling to clients and support with non-GBV cases. The SW will employ a survivor-centered approach to ensure that the client’s wishes are respected, and her safety and confidentiality are always preserved through the case management process.

Duties and Responsibilities

•Work with WPE Response Officer to develop and oversee activities for women and girls. •Identify and implement timely, survivor-centered, and age-appropriate case management services and psychosocial support to all clients reached by the WPE team and ensuring strict adherence to the GBV guiding principles (Safety and Security, Confidentiality, Respect and No Discrimination). •Identify available services and coordinate referrals based on the wishes and consent of the survivor. •Advocate with partner organizations supporting GBV survivors to provide additional confidential services to clients, in accordance with their wishes and GBV guiding principles. •Utilize GBV data management tools (GBVIMS) and systems to record information about clients accessing services, in line with the principle of confidentiality, and utilize aggregate information to improve service delivery. •Support the development and utilization of zone-specific referral pathway for GBV cases. •Create and maintain a welcoming and safe environment through the IRC mobile teams and at the Women Centers. •Support capacity building and coordination activities in zone settings, including by delivering training sessions to local partner organizations on case management principles, GBV core concepts, GBV guiding principles, etc. •Maintain a positive relationship with Women Committee(s), WPE volunteers and other community-based groups to ensure they are involved in the activities of the WPE mobile team, and they play an active role in the referral pathway. •Maintain a collaborative relationship with all organizations working in the context to facilitate referrals and joint activities, while upholding IRC’s standard in GBV programming. •Conduct regular follow-ups, compile daily & weekly reports, and attend weekly case review meetings. •Develop and maintain work plans to achieve target indicators. •Attend WPE and IRC meetings and trainings as needed and as requested by senior staff.

Qualifications

•University degree in Social Sciences (i.e. social work, counseling, sociology, psychology, gender studies, human rights, etc.). •At least 2 years of hands-on experience in the provision of GBV Case management services in a post conflict situation/location. •Experience supervising psychosocial programs, providing psychosocial support or case management, and working on gender-based violence (GBV) and women’s empowerment. •Excellent communication and analytical skills and ability to present ideas effectively, in both oral and written form. •Ability to communicate sensitively and without judgment, good diplomatic and persuasion skills. •Ability to use good judgment when making decisions and to take accountability for decisions made. •Emotional maturity and stability to resolve conflicts in non-violent way and maintain appropriate boundaries. •Good interpersonal skills including ability to gain trust and build relationships. •Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities. •High standard of spoken and written English. •Good computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Power Point. •Be able to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.

Deadline for receiving applications is 7th March 2022.

Professional Standards

The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.

All staff, regardless of role, are required to create a culture of client responsiveness by requesting and using client feedback data to make decisions. In addition, all staff are expected to demonstrate inclusiveness when making programmatic decisions and working with clients, partners and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. You can read more about the IRC’s commitment to client responsiveness here: https://www.rescue.org/resource/client-responsiveness-introduction-and-faq

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.