Uganda: Psychosocial Officer Based in Matanda – Kanungu Uganda

About HIJRA:

Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA) is an international humanitarian and development organization that positively contributes towards improving the living standards and conditions of those adversely affected by disasters and conflict in the Horn, East & Central Africa by implementing WASH, Health, Education, Livelihoods, Community service & development and Protection programs in the region for a period of more than 20 years.
HIJRA with funding from the UNHCR in Uganda is implementing a multi-Sectoral Program for refugees in Oruchinga settlement (Isingiro district), Nakivale settlement (Isingiro district) and Matanda Transit Center (Kanungu district). HIJRA, in a strategy to expand existing program implementing team, is now seeking for a qualified person willing to offer Humanitarian services in the position of Psychosocial Officer to be based in Matanda – Kanungu District.

Job Summary:

The job holder is responsible for providing psychosocial counseling and support services, providing professional and confidential services to survivors of GBV, children at risk, PSNs and all persons of concern with various challenges, establish case follow ups through conducting home visits to referred families, Plan and implement the delivery of counseling services to the GBV survivors in a non-discriminatory manner in line with HIJRA/UNHCR guidelines in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, conducting prison monitoring visits for psychosocial support and counseling.

Reporting Relationships:

The post holder will be responsible to the Camp Manager.

Duties:

1. Providing professional and confidential services to survivors of GBV both new and old cases
2. Lead the raising sensitization and carryout monthly outreaches to the communities with community social workers, RWC leaders and Protection Committees basing on case trend on going needs of women and girls with special needs
3. Establish case follow ups through conducting home visits to referred families so that client are fully supported with Psychosocial Support and Counseling
4. Assist in development and provision of psychosocial services to HIJRA office based on participatory community assessment.
5. Strength and maintain community network with community leaders
6. Liaise fully range of professionals services in social work, health and voluntary agencies in order to raise awareness of GBV
7. Conducting monthly prison monitoring visit to provide Psychosocial support to all Refugee inmates and provide them with Non Food Items in line with UNHCR/HIJRA guidelines
8. Plan and implement the delivery of counseling services to the SGBV survivors in a non-discriminatory manner in line with HIJRA/UNHCR guidelines
9. Conducting peer to peer group counseling sessions
10. Conducting career and guidance session with pupils in Refugee Schools
11. Conducting Individual Case Management Coordination meetings with the UNHCR and other partners to discuss on the cases being handled by the psychosocial counsellor and the team
12. Liaise with the psychiatric doctors to carryout psychiatric assessment to all persons of concern with mental illnesses and helping them on taking their medicine on daily basis.
13. Any other duties assigned by the Camp Manager.

Competencies, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

· Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or other related field.

· Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience

· Strong experience working with vulnerable people including survivors of GBV and victims of child abuse.

· Strong knowledge of Child Friendly interview techniques and communicating with children

· Familiarity with guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in emergency settings.

· Strong organizational and supervisory skills with excellent reporting & writing skills.

· Strong interpersonal skill and communication skills.

· An excellent command of verbal and written English.

· Working Knowledge of Kiswahili/Kinyabwisha.

· Good knowledge word and excel.

The counselor should have a compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental personality. The counselor should be a person who keeps sensitive information to him/herself.

Application Process:
Qualified Candidates are requested to submit an Application letter and Curriculum Vitae including telephone and emails contacts of three referees including your current/most recent employer.

Applications, addressed to the:

Country Program Manager

Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief AID (HIJRA)

P.O. Box 37703, Kampala, Uganda

Should be sent by email to: vacancies.ug@hijra.or.ke. The subject line should read Psychosocial Officer.

Applications must be submitted not later than close of business on 29^th January, 2018. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

For more information regarding the organization please visit our website www.hijra.or.ke. HIJRA is an equal opportunity employer.**NB: The Contract duration for the position is 4 months** successful