WPE Social Worker

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting IDPs, refugees and various institutions in the country notably the government, community based organizations, the civil society and the private sector. The current program portfolio in Uganda includes health, economic recovery and development, protection, and prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV). IRC has its country office in Kampala and works in Yumbe/Bidibidi, Arua/Imvepi and Omugo, Kitgum, Moroto, Kiryandongo and Kyegegwa/Kyaka.

At the start of 2020, the IRC providedlife- saving services to new refugee arrivals from South Sudan through Elegu border point to Arua district that were being received at the Ocea Reception Center in Rhino Camp. It was indicated that the movement was as a result of smaller rebel groups in South Sudan who had organized themselves in bandit groups causing violence. On average, there were 180 new arrivals on a daily basis most of whom were women and children. Building on IRC’s expertise in responding to emergencies and protection within Uganda and internationally, the IRC will establish Women’s Protection and Empowerment programming to respond to life-saving needs of women and girls affected by violence during flight and beyond while they settle within Ocea.

SCOPE OF WORK

The WPE Social Worker will provide case management and psychosocial support to refugee and host community women and girls in within Ocea in Rhino Camp. He/She will provide women and girls access to information, services, and build informal support networks with other women at the Women Center and via mobile services. The Social Worker will provide case management services to survivors of GBV, as well as psychosocial support and counseling to clients and support with non-GBV cases. The SW will employ a survivor-centered approach to ensure that the client’s wishes are respected, and her safety and confidentiality are preserved at all times through the case management process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with WPE Response Officer to develop and oversee activities for women and girls.
• Identify and implement timely, survivor-centered and age-appropriate case management services and psychosocial support to all clients reached by the WPE team and ensuring strict adherence to the GBV guiding principles (Safety and Security, Confidentiality, Respect and No Discrimination).
• Identify available services and coordinate referrals based on the wishes and consent of the survivor.
• Advocate with partner organizations supporting GBV survivorsto provide additional confidential services to clients, in accordance with their wishes and GBV guiding principles.
• Utilize GBV data management tools (GBVIMS) and systems to record information about clients accessing services, in line with the principle of confidentiality, and utilize aggregate information to improve service delivery.
• Support the development and utilization of zone-specific referral pathway for GBV cases.
• Create and maintain a welcoming and safe environment through the IRC mobile teams and at the Women Centers.
• Support capacity building and coordination activities in zone settings, including by delivering training sessions to local partner organizations on case management principles, GBV core concepts, GBV guiding principles, etc.
• Maintain a positive relationship with Women Committee(s), WPE volunteers and other community-based groups to ensure they are involved in the activities of the WPE mobile team and they play an active role in the referral pathway.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with all organizations working in the context to facilitate referrals and joint activities, while upholding IRC’s standard in GBV programming.
• Conduct regular follow-ups, compile daily & weekly reports, and attend weekly case review meetings.
• Develop and maintain work plans to achieve target indicators.
• Attend WPE and IRC meetings and trainings as needed and as requested by senior staff.

KEY WORKING REALTIONSHIPS

Position reports to: WPE Response Officer
Position directly supervises: WPE Community Based Volunteers

Other internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Close coordination with IRC Protection, M&E, Finance, HR, and Operations

External: Close collaboration with donors, local actors (local NGOs, UN agencies, government) and service providers’ part of the urban survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) referral system

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Deadline for receiving applications is July 19th,2021