Protection Officer – Psychosocial Support (PSS)

WHO ARE WE?

We Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

Under the technical supervision of the Protection Team Leader and overall supervision of the Protection Manager, the Protection Officer-PSS will be responsible for the implementation of DRC PSS activities including conducting household and community assessments, provision of counselling support, making referrals, and advocating on the rights of vulnerable people. DRC is currently implementing non-specialized PSS services including series of structured group sessions, individual counselling, one-off group sessions and information/ outreach session within targeted communities. The Protection Officer-PSS will be responsible for the provision of PSS activities in an effort to prevent, mitigate and respond to the protection risks of the affected population.The Protection Officer-PSS will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities, including weekly schedules, taking caseloads and ensuring overall adherence to DRC SOPs. The Protection Officer-PSS will be working within DRC’s Protection programme and will contribute to sectoral integration among the Economic Recovery, HDP & Emergency teams, in collaboration with local authorities and communities.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct individual assessments to identify psychosocial stressors and needs, and identify a response/ intervention plan for people identified.
• Plan, prepare and deliver series of structured group PSS sessions, individual counselling, and one-off sessions, in line with DRC SOPs/ manuals. Ensure sessions are appropriate for different age, gender groups and diversity profiles.
• Prepare daily plans prior to every PSS session in line with the existing PSS curriculum; prepare appropriate materials and/or visual aids in advance of the sessions.
• Where individuals who are participating in PSS group activities are identified as being in need of additional individual PSS counselling services, assess protection issues, develop and implement case plans including full documentation of cases, follow up, individual psychosocial care and referral.
• Refer clients to other specialists or other institutions for further assistance, when necessary, in line with the local referral pathways available to ensure effective and efficient case management process. Respond and mitigate protection concerns, including through referring cases of vulnerable people through safe referral pathways to other DRC departments.
• Plan and conduct awareness-raising sessions on prevention and in response to concerns identified. Conduct PSS information sessions and PSS outreach activities among communities/local authorities to promote the value and importance of PSS services in coordination with the Protection Manager and Protection Team Leader. 
• Respond and mitigate protection concerns, including through referring cases of vulnerable people through safe referral pathways to other DRC departments and/or other external service providers.
• Close cases in collaboration with the client when the objectives in the PSS intervention plan have been met and no further needs have been identified.
• Provide continuous psycho-social support via regular follow-up meetings, establishing a relationship built on trust and respecting confidentiality protocols.
• Contribute to regular reporting, program and proposal development, providing insight and analysis on PSS issues, challenges, gaps and best-practices.
• Support the Protection Team Leader and Protection Referral Focal Point to map service networks for referrals.
• Upload all the PSS activities in DRC trackers/ IM systems on a weekly basis in accurate and timely manner.
• Ensure data protection and confidentiality of information is always maintained, including when reporting on the DRC trackers/ IM systems as well as in paper filing.
• Perform other duties, as required by the supervisor to support the protection program.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in psychological/psychosocial counselling, preferably with IDPs/refugees/returnees.
• Demonstrated strong experience working with vulnerable clients.
• Familiarity with the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to protecting human rights.
• Problem-solver who takes initiative to provide solutions.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative interviews is a strong advantage.
• Meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to work independently, make rapid assessments and sound judgements.
• Commitment to the mission and the core values of Danish Refugee Council-DRC.
• Willing to stay in field locations and travel in relevant DRC coverage areas.

Education/qualifications:

• University degree in Psychology or Social Work, or other relevant area.
• Essential computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, email etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and a part of a team.
• Willing to work extra hours and available at the weekend for emergency cases.
• Capacity to work under pressure.
• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Languages:

• English (working level)
• Pashto (Fluent)
• Dari (Fluent)

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the Apply link below.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages), Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.