Social Worker At Roumieh Central Prison

Roumieh prison is the largest prison with around 3,500 inmates (around 60% of total inmates). A medical centre is established in Roumieh, with nurses and general physicians available 24/7. Prisons, particularly Roumieh, suffer shortage of medical staff especially nurses. This situation hinders equitable access to timely health (and mental health) care to all inmates.

A plan for COVID-19 preparedness and response was developed for Roumieh prison following coordination with key stakeholders intervening in the context of COVID. The plan identified axes of interventions, mainly: 1) Strengthening the Infection, Prevention and Control policies and procedures inside prison; 2) Improving capacities for early detection, management (including onsite sampling) and referral; and 3) Preparation for the mitigation phase (onsite management of inmates with mild cases and mobilization of needed staff in case of COVID-19 widespread transmission inside prison).

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lebanon was reported on 21 February 2020. To date, the positive cases reached more than 44,000. The positive cases started in Roumieh on 11 September 2020. A team of nurses was recruited to check on the inmates with COVID-19 who are in the buildings affected as well as to assess inmates with chronic conditions and those aged 60 or more.

Key responsibilities:  

• Perform assessments to determine an inmate's current level of social functioning, with attention to inmates at risk.
• Assist the team especially in dealing with inmates who show aggressiveness, impulsivity, offending behaviour, etc. 
• Assist in providing awareness and education, especially in the context of COVID-19.
• Provide support and counselling in life skills, anger management, management of stress, impulsivity, communication, parenting etc.
• Support community reinsertion.
• Ensure referral to lawyers and other professionals (e.g. mental health) when needed.
• Ensure proper documentation such as filling out care plans, writing case notes and maintaining case files.
• Participate in staff meeting to discuss the progress of the inmates.

Deliverables:  

• Deliverable 1: Provide medico-social assessment to new and existing inmates.
• Deliverable 2: Map available resources that provide social services in the prison for needed referral.
• Deliverable 3: Provide counselling to inmates, families and ISF.
• Deliverable 4: Refer to services as needed and ensure needed follow-up.
• Deliverable 5: Report monthly on tasks and deliverables.