Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Psychosocial Counselor
DATE: 13th November 2015
COUNTRY PROGRAM: Somalia
LOCATION: Kismayo
SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: Yes
REPORTING TO: Protection Manager
STATUS: Full Time, 12 months with option of renewal
COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION
The Somalia country program of the American Refugee Committee (ARC) is committed to providing humanitarian response in South Central Somalia, and building resilience through the empowerment of youth in Somaliland and Puntland. ARC’s Somalia programme maintains its headquarters in Mogadishu, with field offices in Dhobley and Kismayo, as well as a support office in Nairobi, Kenya. ARC is a grant-funded non-governmental organization, with programming in health, WASH, protection, vocational training and early livelihood recovery, supported by donors such as OFDA/USAID, UNFPA, UNHCR and CHF.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Under the supervision of the Protection manager the Psychosocial Counselor: Coordinates, Supervises & Manages provision of GBV Response Team’s Protection services to Persons of Concern living in Kismayo. Additionally, s/he is responsible for reporting on a monthly basis on all GBV protection activities undertaken by the Response team and representing ARC at meetings with donors and agencies. The Psychosocial Counselor will supervise the professional development of Para-Counselors by designing and delivering trainings as needed, providing guidance in the field and ensuring the quality of services provided. S/he will work and liaise closely with the GBV Officer, Auxiliary Nurses, Para counselors and Protection Monitors on documentation of programme activities as per the donor requirements.
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
1. CASE MANAGEMENT
Provide comprehensive psychosocial counseling to SGBV survivors focused on the survivor centered case management approach.
Provide assessment and counseling both at individual and group level as the situation demands.
Ensure all work with SGBV survivors is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.
Document client data accurately in the intake forms and ensure they are under lock and key.
Ensure that the GBVIMS is accurately updated on a regular basis.
Take lead in the interpretation of the analyzed data on trends and work with Protection manager to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
Take lead in the development of the case management monitoring tools and systems and ensure that all staffs that are required to utilize it are trained on the correct way of handling the systems.
2. COORDINATION AND NETWORKING
Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at the Kismayo, to ensure that survivors receive quality services and support both at the agency levels.
Take lead scheduled meetings such as the Case Conferences to discuss difficult cases with other partners providing case management services and document the intervention provided.
Identify new networks to work with to ensure wholesome support to the clients.
Work in close collaboration with the GBV officer to ensure on-going needs of at-risk groups, women and girls are being met in the prevention related activities.
Strengthen existing referral systems and networks of psychosocial service providers.
In collaboration with other partners, design appropriate psychosocial interventions within the community focusing on the psychosocial needs of adults, youth and children.
Create and enhance new and existing referral networks between partners implementing GBV Protection programs in the implementation of referral pathways.
Participate in conducting trainings for partners on relevant organizational development areas and support peer learning between ARC and other partner agencies.
3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH
Conduct sensitization and capacity building sessions with the wider population about issues of trauma and GBV.
Facilitate formation of support groups for survivors of GBV and other vulnerable groups.
Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
Support the GBV officer and Protection Monitors, in dissemination of relevant information during the Community GBV prevention forums and meetings.
4. REPORTING
Maintain a regular system of project evaluation, using both qualitative and quantitative indicators, and feeding into programme adjustments.
Produce a monthly protection report to be distributed to stakeholders and donors, and to be used as an integral part of ongoing advocacy efforts.
Ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with agreed strategies, principles, implementation plans, and donor requirement.
Identify protection gaps with a view to generating ideas for future projects.
Take lead in the preparation of accurate reports for all psychosocial related activities.
5. STAFF MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Appraise and mentor ARC protection staff by identifying clear deliverables and providing training as needed.
Conduct continuous performance/evaluation for the Para counsellors working under her/him.
Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions.
Conduct regular formal and on-job training and mentorship to the Psychosocial Counsellors and Para-Counsellors on areas related to Case Management, Counselling and other related topics to enhance professionalism.
Conduct regular case conference meetings with the GBV Response team both at individual and group levels.
Organize for capacity building forums for staff on GBV Case Management and Therapeutic Counselling techniques.
EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in Psychology, Social Work or other Social Science related field.
Minimum 2 years’ experience in providing psychosocial counseling to survivors of GBV
Fluent in written and spoken English and Somali language
Good team player; able to take direction and work collaboratively with others.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening
Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners
Able to complete required reporting and documentation within the set deadlines
Highly motivated, creative, and compassionate person who is dedicated to ensuring that models of best practice are utilized.
Able to uphold high ethical and professional standards
Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all
DESIRED QUALITIES
Knowledge and understanding of Somali society/language is a plus Application and CV: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications: Each application should include:
One page cover letter outlining why you think you are the best candidate and how your skills set and experience fit into this position.
CV (not more than 2 pages) including three professional referees with complete contact information.
Cover letter and copy of CV should be sent to: arcsomalia2013@gmail.com not later than 20th November, 2015. NB: Please state on the Subject line of the e-mail: Psychosocial Counselor