Protection Assistant-Psychosocial counselor

Overall purpose of the role:
The purpose of this post is to provide day to day management and psychosocial support and related activities in Kalobeyei.  In particular, the person is responsible for addressing mental health needs of SGBV survivors and Persons of Concern. In collaboration with the GBV Psychosocial Officer, S/he will be in charge of the provision of training and supervision of the GBV Para-Counselors, to respond to cases of GBV in the camp and ensure effective case management. S/he will work and liaise closely with the GBV Officer, GBV Assistant on documentation of program activities as per the donor requirements.

Responsibilities

R1. Case Management

• Provide comprehensive case management psychosocial counseling to SGBV survivors focused on the survivor centered approach.
• Provide assessment and counseling both at individual and group level as the situation demands.
• Ensure all work with SGBV survivors is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.
• Document client data accurately in the intake forms and ensure they are under lock and key.
• Ensure that the GBVIMS is accurately updated on a regular basis.
• Participate in the interpretation of the analyzed data on trends and work with prevention team to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in the development of the case management monitoring tools and systems and ensure that all staffs that are required to utilize it are trained on the correct way of handling the systems.
• Participate in the preparation of accurate reports for all Psycho-social related activities.
• Participate in design of case management and psychosocial projects

R2. Coordination and Networking

• Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at the camp level, to ensure that survivors receive quality services and support both at the agency levels.
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings such as the Case Conferences, safe haven inter-agency meetings and as assigned
• Strengthen existing referral systems and identify new networks to work with to ensure holistic support to the clients.
• Work in close collaboration with the prevention team to ensure ongoing needs of at-risk groups, women and girls are being met in the prevention related activities.
• In collaboration with other partners, design psychosocial interventions within the refugee community focusing on the psychosocial needs of adults, youth and children.
• Participate in conducting trainings for partners on relevant organizational development areas and support peer learning between DRC and other partner agencies.

R3. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Conduct sensitization, dialogue and mediation sessions with the wider population about issues of trauma and SGBV.
• Facilitate formation of support groups for survivors of SGBV and other vulnerable groups.
• Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders, camp management and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
• Support the GBV officer and GBV assistants, in dissemination of relevant information during the Community SGBV prevention forums and meetings.

R4. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assist in preparing daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reports, progress notes, and treatment plans on time
• Use appropriate data collection tools and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate manner
• Work closely with the refugee staff to ensure quality reporting
• Assist in the designing, planning, implementing and facilitating of external trainings for numerous target groups
• Ensure Core Humanitarian Standards are mainstreamed in the day to day project implementation
• Attend relevant training forums relevant to the job
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the supervisor

R5. Staff Supervision

• Provide supervision to the Para counsellors and ensure effective provision of Psycho-social services.
• Conduct continuous performance/evaluation for the Para counsellors working under her/him.
• Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions.
• Conduct regular formal and on-job training and mentorship to Para-Counsellors on areas related to Case Management, Counselling and other related topics to enhance professionalism.
• Conduct regular case conference meetings with the Para-counsellors both at individual and group levels.
• Organize for external capacity building forums on GBV Case Management and Therapeutic Counselling techniques.

Experience and technical competencies: 

• 2 years’ experience in providing psychosocial counseling to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
• Good team player; able to take direction and work collaboratively with others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening.
• Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners.
• Able to complete required reporting and documentation within the set deadlines.
• Highly motivated, creative, and compassionate person who is dedicated to ensuring that models of best practice are utilized.
• Able to uphold high ethical and professional standards.
• Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment.
• Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all.
• Experience working in a refugee context is highly desirable

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or other Social Science related field.

Language:

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Swahili.

DRC’s Core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: you focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: you take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: you act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions: 
Contract duration: 11 months. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Availability: February 2022
Duty station: Kakuma (does not qualify for accommodation)
Key stakeholders:  
Internal: Protection, DRC Kakuma Staff
External: Refugee and Host Community, Local government authorities, Other NGOs, Implementing partners

General
Commitments: 
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

Application Process: 
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, which should include a 1-page cover letter clearly stating their motivation, and qualifications and a CV. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One referee must be the applicant’s most recent manager. Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered.
We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Applications should be sent no later than: 24th January 2022.

Gender Equality: 
DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities: 
DRC is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.
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. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport
Danish Refugee Council