Job Description

Position title:

Psychosocial Counsellor

Duty station:

Odweyne

Reporting to:

Senior Protection Officer

Starting date:

ASAP

About CARE

CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We seek a world of hope, inclusion and social justice, where poverty has been overcome, and all people live with dignity and security, with a specific focus on the empowerment of women and girls. CARE’s Vision 2030 strategy includes six broad impact areas, with specific impact targets and metrics aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. CARE anticipates that its impact will increasingly be achieved at the systems level as part of its quest for sustainable impact at scale, achieved through local leadership, in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society actors.

CARE International in Somalia and Somaliland is looking for suitable candidates to fill the Psychosocial Counsellor position based in the Odweyne Districts with frequent travel and support to project sites.   

Deadline: 12th September 2024  

JOB SUMMARY:

The main purpose of the psychosocial counselling service is to support the sexual and gender based survivors in getting compassionate emotional support, ensuring provision of consistent and eminence services to survivors of SGBV and displaced persons and vulnerable in Puntland and Somaliland.

The counsellor will work under the supervision of the senior protection officer to provide    

Every staff member in Somalia is accountable for:

• Prioritizing safety and security by being vigilant of existing risks and refraining from complacency or engaging in activities that pose unnecessary risks and contributing to their safety and security by adhering to all established policies and procedures.
• Familiarizing themselves with and comprehending the organization's security plan and guidelines, including any updates as well as actively participating in the development and upkeep of safety and security measures and ensuring compliance.
• Communicating any pertinent information, observations, and perceptions related to safety and security with their line management or the CO security team.
• Demonstrating commitment to gender transformation, learning and development through promoting and maintaining an organizational culture that advances gender equality, reduces power abuse and inequalities, and fosters trust and safety.
• Creating, promoting and maintaining a safe organisational culture for all people who work for and with CARE, including our partners, and the communities and program participants we work with.

Responsibilities:

R1: Direct Client Support and Psychosocial Interventions:

• Provide comprehensive counselling support to the survivors of SGBV focussing on managing trauma and promote social and familial support for survivors
• Design psychosocial services need for adults, youth, and children, assess the demand situation, support survivors to build resilience by means of exchanging and learning from each other, establish social networks, group psychosocial counselling sessions, girl shine and AMAL initiative program delivery.
• Establish community sensitization, dialogue, and mediation sessions with wider populations on issues about trauma and SGBV, identify and strengthen community structures through engaging community/ camp leaders to ensure survivors receive adequate support at community levels.
• Provide parents and caregivers with information on children's and their own emotions and behaviour in emergencies and explain how they can help their children and themselves to recover, and access services.
• Provide professional and confidential services to survivors of GBV, grounded in the CARE’s general survivor-cantered case management approach and general safeguarding policies and principles.
• Promote psychosocial support activity plans at CARE’s skill training centres, one stop centres as well as health centres to provide practical tips and help them stay safe to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
• Prepare case studies for the individuals of severe emotional problems to help in seeking relevant support with the consent of the survivor and maintain high standard of respect while building trust. 
• Ensure the complete and updated filing of beneficiary information, including follow-up visits and referrals. 

R2: Capacity Building and Community Outreach:

• Train teachers, CECs, service providers, or aid workers in recognizing social and emotional distress, basic psychosocial support skills, and identification of appropriate MHPSS referral pathways.
• Conduct regular visit and flow-up the psychosocial improvements of individuals who attend counselling sessions at community centres, health facilities and one stop centres for recovery purpose.
• Participate in development of monthly outreach plans with protection frontlines, based on case trends and ongoing needs of women and girls, include strategies to reach women and girls who are more isolated/have special needs.

R3: Collaboration and Coordination:

• Coordinate with other staff for the referral of vulnerable individuals in need of specialized counselling and evaluate the outcome of counselling through observation of client’s progress.
• Work with other humanitarian sectors to ensure that they consider the protection and well-being of children. Assist them to make their services child-friendly and accessible
• Work in collaboration with case workers and CMR nurses/doctors to ensure ongoing needs of women and girls are being met through prevention-related activities.

R4: Quality Assurance and Professional Development: 

Maintain high professional standards and ethical practices in all client interactions.

Actively participate in training opportunities related to trauma-informed care, mental health interventions, and cultural competency.

Stay updated on the latest best practices in psychosocial support for SGBV survivors and displaced populations.

Contribute to the development and improvement of internal protocols and procedures for psychosocial interventions within the INGO.

Experiences and Qualifications

BA/BSc in Psychology or Social Work and Social Administration (SWASA) or related field qualification  

• At least 5 years of experience working within the humanitarian field.
• Previous training on Psychosocial counselling and clinical management of rape is an asset.
• Fluent in English and Somali (speaking, reading, writing).
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of the context of displacement and SGBV in Somalia.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of client information.
• Utilize self-care practices to manage the emotional challenges of the work and maintain personal well-being.

Skills Required

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