VACANCY ANNOUCEMENT
Position: Psychosocial Support Officer
Reports to: Protection Coordinator.
Location: Kakuma- Kenya
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Inspired by the generous love and example of Jesus Christ, the Jesuit Refugee
Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, that they may heal, learn, and determine their own future. Our work expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) to stand with refugees around the world.
ROLE PURPOSE
This position will provide technical oversight and implementation of comprehensive PSS-focused intervention across the sectors that JRS serves including Protection, Inclusive Education, Secondary Education and Post-Secondary Education. The incumbent will report to Protection Coordinator and will work in collaboration with the other program staff.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, plan and implement structured recreative and support programs that promotes cohesiveness among the Safe Shelter residents including women and children.
- Works with sunshine teachers and vocational trainers to provide academic, recreational and social skills programming to the school age children/young adults and women in the
shelter.
- Creates a group environment that promotes and expects positive behavioral norms. Help create a safe-haven for children, youth and women living within the safe shelter setting.
- Develop and implement age appropriate activities and programs.
- Ensure that women at the safe shelter engage in meaningful activities during their stay at the shelter
- Documents monthly participation and outcomes; analyzes results and prepares recommendations.
- Ensures that the recreational spaces in the shelters are clean and well maintained.
- Provide technical guidance, coaching and mentoring to parents & community leaders on child protection, parenting and other PSS supports for children with disabilities.
Facilitate monthly parents/caregivers PSS group therapy sessions
- Design and implement psychosocial activities, including individual and group therapy, parenting activities, etc. for new parents.
- Conduct vulnerability assessment for children with disabilities.
- Facilitate community conversations and awareness raising activities in collaboration with project staffs on issues related to inclusion of children with disabilities.
- Conduct regular home to home visits together with the occupational therapist and provide some psychosocial support in the children’s home environment.
- Participate in activity reporting and lessons learning.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
- At least 4 years’ experience in working in the field of social work.
- Experience of community-based or community mobilization work in a humanitarian context is a strong advantage.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with marginalized communities.
- Strong experience in providing recreational activities to children and youth.
- Excellent creativity and communication skills especially with children.
- Strong computer skills.
- High professional ethics.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Dynamic personality and ability to work under pressure.
- Commitment to the values, vision, and mission of JRS, and respect of the JRS code of conduct.
- Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn from others.
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking and planning skills.
- Strong monitoring and evaluation skills/experience.
- Excellent oral and writen English.
- Ability to work in environment of relief emergency operation.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Patience, perseverance, and ability to work in stressful environment.
- Proactive and self-motivated.
- Be able to endure basic living and working conditions for a duration of time.
- Be able to take initiatives and work without supervision.
- Be open minded, have self-respect, respect the people served and the community with whom JRS works.
- Adhere to the internal rules especially time for work, JRS Staff Code of Conduct and security rules.
- Ability to work sensitively with refugee population of different ethnic background.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter indicating the skills, experience you have that meets the criteria, your availability and expected salary to on or before 10th February 2023. The CV should include contacts (phone and official email) for three professional referees.
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and persons living with disabilities and from Turkana county are encouraged to apply.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to urgent need to fill this vacant position, we will be reviewing the application on a rolling basis. Only candidates who apply by the deadline and who can demonstrate technical experience in inclusive education should apply.
Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.
JRS has zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and abuse against children and vulnerable adults by JRS personnel. JRS is committed to Safeguard children and vulnerable adults and has policies which outline the expected behaviour, code of conduct and responsibility of all persons acting on behalf of JRS (Staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, Pastoral team, and other representatives). All staff working for JRS are expected to abide by these policies and guidelines.
JRS will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Canvassing is strictly prohibited. Canvassing of any sort will lead to automatic disqualification of the concerned applicant.
How to apply
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zx8A_YbbimKAngxwHBcpFUybufnCddmFPc5OQU1vBb8/edit
