Psychosocial Support (PSS) assistant

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations. 
DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 250 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2022 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Psychosocial Support (PSS) assistant for its activities in Mykolaiv.  

This position will report to the Protection Manger.

Overall purpose of the role:

• Ensure the quality of the planning, implementation and follow up of all technical aspects of the sector activities being implemented by DRC 
• Develop and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s sector activities.

Main responsibilities:

Under the suppervision of the PSS officer the PSS assistant will
Programming & Operations:

• Plan and conduct group sessions on psychosocial first aid (PFA);
• Plan and facilitate and provide culturally and age appropriate PSS activities and positive coping mechanisms activities;
• Engage in awareness-raising sessions regarding the availability of mental health, psychosocial support, and protection services;
• Identify and refer cases for more specialized case management services;
• Lead the data collection of the pre and post assessment and maintain database insuring accurate and relabel data;
• Assist PSS Officer to plan and participate in capacity building trainings as needed and required;
• Contribute to developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in our areas of operation and ensuring follow-up of referrals in a timely manner;
• Support protection teams efficiently and confidentially referring cases;
• Manage, file and store data, ensuring the confidentiality of the information collected and the services provided;
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly work plans in a timely manner;
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives

Required experience and competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years working experience in protection, social work or related field
• Strong understanding of protection issues including child protection and gender-based violence
• Ability to discuss sensitive issues with respect and empathy including ability to provide basic Psychological First Aid services
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
• Knowledge of global MHPSS guidelines, including the IASC guidance on mental health and psychosocial support services is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback. 
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly. 
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. 

Required education:
Relevant university degree or equivalent professional qualification

We offer:
Contract length: 3 months renewable depending on performance 
Level: I
Designation of Duty Station: Mykolaiv
Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process:

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 26 April  2023

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo