Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Project Manager (DPM), the Psychosocial officer provides primary mental health support and psychosocial services to the target population, according to the identified needs and activity plan. He/she is responsible for preparation and conduction of MHPSS-related needs assessment, facilitating individual and group psychosocial support sessions, administrating referrals and running awareness activities in the frame of the Health and/or Nutrition activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

1. Ensure and conduct Psychosocial support activities:

• Participate in primary psychosocial assessment as per request.
• Plan and implement psychosocial individual and focused group intervention according to PSS plans and guidance of the PSS supervisor and PM, following evidence-based and validated protocols in the humanitarian context;
• Provide community PSS awareness and prevention sessions for the target beneficiaries, in collaboration with the community workers and volunteers.
• At all times, follow the Standard Operating Procedures relevant to the PSS activities as well as the PSS intervention curriculum provided by the PSS supervisor and PM, in integration with Health and Nutrition sectors.
• Ensure the good organization and provision of the PSS activities and the conduct of high-quality services, in accordance with the objectives provided by the PM and PSS supervisor.
• Conduct social / recreational / care practices activities according to the beneficiaries gender, age and needs and to the PSS activity plans.
• Ensure that all patients and their relatives are treated equally with respect of ethical and confidential issues.
• Provide services that are adapted to the age and gender of the beneficiaries with respect to their culture, social norms and practices.
• Participate to the mainstreaming of protection principles throughout all activities.

2. Participate to an efficient referral system:

• Inform the PSS Supervisor on the needs of external referral of PSS patients.
• Under the strict supervision of the PSS Supervisor, ensure appropriate external referral to other MHPSS services, with the input and validation of the PM whenever referrals to specialized services are involved, and following international recommendations (avoid institutionalization, encourage referral at PHC and secondary care level), etc.
• With the support of the PSS Supervisor and PM, and in close collaboration with the health teams, ensure appropriate internal referral to other services provided or supported by PUI.
• Support the management of emergency referral cases according to the guidance of the PSS Supervisor and PM and according to the referral protocol. This could involve supporting on the logistics organization, following up on appointments with specialists, coordinating with the Focal Point, etc.
• Coordinate with the PSS supervisor and with the Project Manager to provide all the necessary information to the patient for accessing the referral; ensuring informed consent at all times.
• Support follow-up of the referred cases under the leadership of the Project Manager, with the patient and the reference doctor, ensuring appropriate follow up care has been given and taking appropriate action if further care is needed.

3. Data collection and reporting:

• Record accurately and in a readable manner, the PSS case management on the confidential patient records, encourage the use of anonymous patient files and follow strict data protection practices.
• Guarantee accurate daily use and tracking of epidemiological data.
• Collect key information about the patient’s general conditions.
• Contribute to the PSS statistic reports.
• Collect information regarding quality and beneficiary satisfaction indicators as per the demand of the PM and PSS Supervisor.

4. Meetings and coordination:

• Debrief on a regular basis with the PSS team members and community health workers (CHW), with the PSS Supervisor support;
• Actively participate to the PSS supervision sessions provided by the PSS supervisor. Ensure that concerns and challenges are raised during the supervision sessions.
• Attend PUI’s internal team meetings as per request
• Collaborate with other organization involved in the project area;
• Provide information to the PSS Supervisor and Project Manager about the trends, gaps and needs in the population supported.

5. Other tasks: 

• Report the concerns or requests of patients or their families about PUI services to the project manager;
• Strictly follow the safety rules of the base. 

The tasks and responsibilities defined in this job description are not exhaustive and may evolve depending on the needs of the project. 

Mandatory requirements:

• Bachelor's DEGREE in psychology, Social work background or related field.
• Public health background will be a bonus.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

• Humanitarian experience
• At least 2 years of experience in direct implementation of psychosocial activities.
• PSS emergency experience desirable

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Trained or knowledgeable in community-based psychosocial approaches and interventions
• Cross-cutting skills: Analytical and strategic skills, organizational and priority management skills
• Knowledge of Protection Principles

LANGUAGES

• English
• Arabic

PERSONAL SKILLS

• Good communication skills, diplomacy and solution-oriented attitude 
• Curiosity and interest in the organization's activities
• Good ability to manage deadlines in emergency response contexts (stress resistance)
• Honesty, integrity
• Adaptability, flexibility
• Autonomy, sense of initiative and anticipation
• Punctuality

Interested Applicants Should apply using this LINK