Psychosocial Support (PSS) Specialist

Women Empowerment Organization is implementing this project which aims to  create sustainable employment opportunities for youths in Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah governorates through skill building, job placement opportunities, and business start-up training and grants.

Position Summary:

The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing and overseeing the psychosocial aspects of the project aimed at enhancing sustainable employment opportunities for individuals at risk of irregular migration in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The specialist will be responsible for administering the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO5), conducting psychosocial needs assessments, and providing tailored support sessions to address participants’ psychosocial needs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Administer the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO5) to assess the subjective psychosocial well-being of all participants.

2. Conduct psychosocial needs assessments for participants with alarming WHO5 results, providing individual tailored psychosocial support sessions.

3. Facilitate peer reflection sessions in small groups to encourage mutual support and motivation among participants.

4. Collaborate with trained psychologists for specialized mental health services, ensuring participants receive appropriate support.

5. Monitor and evaluate the impact of psychosocial interventions on participants’ resilience, well-being, and engagement in livelihood projects.

6. Develop and implement psychosocial support plans for individuals exhibiting signs of hopelessness, isolation, and loss of confidence.

7. Work closely with the project team and partners to integrate psychosocial support into overall project activities.

8. Contribute to the development and adaptation of psychosocial tools and resources for program improvement.

Qualifications and Requirements:

· Master’s or minimum bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

· Proven experience in administering psychosocial assessments and providing support sessions.

· Familiarity with the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO5).

· Knowledge of integrating psychosocial approaches into livelihood programs.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.