Protection Assistant-Psychosocial Counselor (Re-Advertisement) at Danish Refugee Council

Overall purpose of the role: 
The purpose of this post is to provide day to day management, psychosocial support and related activities in Ifo, and Dagahaley Camps in Daadab. In particular, the person is responsible for addressing mental health needs of SGBV survivors’ and maintaining daily contact with the community level para-counsellors. S/he will work and liaise closely with the Protection Officer-PSS, Protection Assistants, Protection Officer- GBV prevention and the Protection Assistant (GBVIMS) on documentation of programme activities as per the donor requirements. 

Responsibilities: 

R1. Mental Health and Psychosocial support:

• Provide comprehensive psychosocial counseling to SGBV and non SGBV survivors focused on the survivor centered approaches
• Conduct and coordinate group sessions- therapy, psychoeducation, peer to peer sessions in collaboration with the case managers.
• Ensure the MHPSS to incentive staff under her /his supervision
• Conduct Menstrual hygiene and management education as well as management of the Dignity kits
• Coordinate issuance of cash voucher assistance in collaboration with the case managers
• Ensure all work with SGBV survivors is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.
• Ensure that the client documents and information are well captured, updated and stored safely according to data protection protocols
• Participate in the interpretation of the analyzed data on trends and work with GBV Team Leader to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in the development of the case management monitoring tools and systems and ensure all staffs that are required to utilize them are properly trained on the correct way of handling the systems.
• Ensure proper follow up and support of Non SGBV clients referred for other interventions in the integrated programme approach.
• Participate in the preparation of accurate reports for all Psycho-social related activities

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, SGBV inter-agency and coordination meetings.
• Identify new networks to work with to ensure wholesome support to the clients.
• Work in close collaboration with the GBV officer and GBV assistants to ensure ongoing needs of at-risk groups, women and girls are being met in 
• Strengthen existing referral systems and networks of psychosocial service providers 
• In collaboration with other partners, design psychosocial interventions within the refugee community focusing on the psychosocial needs of adults, youth and children.
• Assist in development of referral networks between partners implementing GBV and implementation of referral pathways.
• 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. 
• Conduct outreaches with the prevention team and support in awareness on SGBV response eg during  calendar events like World Mental Health day

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 HAP Principles and CHS is 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 Management and development: 

• 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:  

• Minimum of 2 years work experience in providing psychosocial counseling in a refugee context
• MUST be a Somali speaker and being a male is an added advantage
• Good team player; able to take direction and work collaboratively with others.
• Knowledge and skills on computer, GBVIMS and utilization of case management tools
• 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 including confidentiality.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills and ability to work in a challenging environment.
• Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all.

Education:

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

Languages: 

• Fluency in written and spoken English essential