Psychosocial Social Worker (PSS)

JOB TITLE:   Psychosocial Social Worker

ABAAD PURPOSE:

ABAAD aims at achieving gender equality as an essential condition to sustainable social and economic development in the MENA region. ABAAD has a proven record in working in addressing GBV in emergency settings. “Ending Gender-Based Violence: towards standardization and strengthening quality of services and direct response” is an initiative aiming at reducing the risks of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through women, boys and girl’s empowerment and improving the quality of multi-sectorial assistance for women and girls’ survivors or at risk of GBV among the host and Syrian refugee population.

BACKGROUND:

In order to increase vulnerable women and girls’ (from all nationalities) access to prevention and response services, ABAAD   has set up eight (8) Safe Spaces for for women and girls in various locations in Mount Lebanon, Northern, South, and Beqaa Governorates. The Psychosocial Social Worker position is a key position in ABAAD’s Women and Girls Safe Spaces programme, ensuring that an appropriate prevention strategy is implemented involving women and girls as well as the community through awareness raising, establishment of community based groups, and community safety mapping and activities through centre based and mobile outreach.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Psychosocial Social Worker (PSS) is responsible for working within communities, conducting outreach activities, coordinating with local stakeholders, and ensuring buy-in of the local population. The PSS also conducts awareness-raising on protection prevention, response and self-protection for adolescent girls, and delivers Psycho-Social Support activities within the mobile setting. The PSS will be based in the Women and Girls Safe Space and will work closely with community actors, such as the municipalities, local organizations, community centers and conduct regular visits to Syrian gatherings (informal settlements, …etc).

REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to:  WGSS Coordinator and National Safe Space Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:       

I. Community Outreach and Mobilization

Conduct information and awareness sessions with women and girls in the community to disseminate information about available services and key protection concerns

Identify and assess communities to be engaged in the safe spaces activities

Maintain regular contact with community focal points and community outreach volunteers  

Identify and engage key “gatekeepers” and active members within the community to ensure access of ABAAD teams and formation of community groups

Identify community gateways and mobile safe spaces

II. Risk mitigation activities

Identify and recruit community volunteers amongst the refugee and host communities

Support community volunteers and women and girls’ community groups in developing strategies and action plans to address and/or mitigate risks

Facilitate referral of identified needs to humanitarian organizations and other service providers, ensuring follow up and feedback to the community

In close collaboration with community volunteers and community groups conduct regular safety audits to identify risks identified by women and girls within their community

Conduct trainings of community group volunteers and key gatekeepers

Organize regular planning and reporting meetings with community groups and gather feedback on community activities on a regular basis

III. Psychosocial Activities

Conduct age appropriate and psychosocial activities for women and adolescent girls in the mobile setting

Identify communities with psychosocial needs and make recommendations for the provision of psychosocial activities

V. Monitoring and Reporting

Prepare and submit weekly, monthly and 3-month work plans in a timely manner and incorporate manager feedback.

Participate in weekly internal meetings to ensure adherence to standards of appropriate case management, as well as community based approach and psychosocial activities

Regularly document outreach and community activities using agreed tools (including safety audits)

Gather feedback at the community level regarding ABAAD safe spaces programme and share information with line manager

VI. Coordination:

As requested undertake/participate in liaison, coordination, and information sharing activities with national NGOs, international organizations, donors and government

V. Other:

Respect for ABAAD Code of Conduct and its PSEA Policy

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Degree in social work

Knowledge of GBV prevention and response

Experience working directly with refugees and other groups

Experience working directly with women and girls

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Commitment to human rights, gender equality, non-discrimination

Flexible pro-active attitude

Ability to work well as an individual and in a team

Ability to manage an unpredictable workload in a challenging environment

Ability to work across socio-cultural and religious contexts

Belief in ABAAD’s mission and vision

Languages: Fluency in spoken and written Arabic, clear and concise reporting in English is strongly preferred. French is a plus

Experience in managing and training community volunteers

Must be computer literate, including Microsoft Word and Excel.