Psycho-Social Support Officer

• Country: Ukraine
• Organization: DRC
• Deadline: 2023-11-28
• No of Vacancies: N/A

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.

APPLY NOW