PSS Team Leader

JOB PURPOSE

The role is responsible for the organisation and coordination of all PSS activities implemented in support of COVID-19 Response activities at field level. Activities include information dissemination, individual and group counselling, vocational training, and provision of recreational activities. The role holder, in liaison with the Case Management team provides a seamless and holistic service to beneficiaries. S/he provides technical support and supervision for the implementation of PSS activities in-line with current best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts individual assessments and counselling (individuals/group) for the diagnosis of possible psychological disorders and the identification of a therapeutic intervention plan for people identified and referred by the case management team following the opening of a CM case file; carries out a PSS intervention plan for each client after receiving their consent.
• Provides continuous psycho-social support via regular follow-up meetings, establishing a relationship built on trust and respecting confidentiality protocols; ensure that any progress on the individual therapeutic intervention plan and any significant change in the client’s psychosocial well-being and overall situation is duly recorded in a timely fashion;
• Closes cases when the objectives in the PSS intervention plan have been met and no further needs have been identified;
• Participates in individual supervision sessions on a weekly basis with the PSS-GBV Specialist, bringing immediate attention to any case of special/emergency needs; identifying gaps and PSS training needs and develops training tools and materials.
• Participates in internal and external (partners& stakeholders) case conferences (when relevant), team meetings, trainings and workshops as scheduled by the supervisory and management team;
• Supports the planning, implementation and reporting on all protection activities via weekly workplans, schedules and people management;
• Supports positive team dynamics and a healthy work environment where case workers feel comfortable and supported in sharing experiences, challenges and feelings;
• Documents all reporting on PSS activities as per INTERSOS and donor reporting regulations and transmit these on a weekly basis to the Protection Officer for further handling. Engages in regular feedback and dialogue with the Protection Officer on the quantitative reporting;
• Oversees the proper and safe filing and archiving of PSS client files and activity reports files to maintain data confidentiality as per INTERSOS and international standards;
• Carries out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to; do no harm; non-discrimination; confidentiality, accountability, and; need-to-know principles.
• Contributes to regular service mapping, updates to the service directory and support the development of referral systems with different service providers and the local NGO/CSO partner; ensuring good relationships and coordination.
• Identifies and assists in the analysis of PSS trends in the overall caseload; flagging PSS and security issues and contribute to the identification of appropriate responses;
• Oversees the planning and implementation of vocational training/life skills acquisition, recreational activities, focus group discussions, and training workshops as instructed by the supervisory/managerial team;
• Coordinates and supervises all activities in the CC/WGFS, ensuring that schedules and workplans are in-line with SOPs and that activities are carried out as per project guidelines;
• Strengthens existing community-based PSS and peer support group activities, where such exist and help to develop them where none currently exist;
• Collaborates and coordinates with INTERSOS teams from other departments (WASH, Health & Nutrition, Livelihoods, etc…) in order to ensure holistic solutions to beneficiaries’ needs;
• Any other task as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in psychology, social work, counseling, etc.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience with an INGO, NGOs, and/or local authorities in Nigeria.
• University degree in a related field (e.g. Psychology, Social Work, etc.)
• Essential computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, e-mail, internet, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Leadership, people management, and coaching skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to work extra hours and available at the weekend for emergency cases.
• Capacity to work under pressure and willingness to work and live in a complex context.
• Fluency in English, Kanuri, and Hausa.