Leading specialist in psychosocial support / Psycho-Social Support Officer in Danish Refugee Council / Danska Rada u spravah bizhenciv v Ukrayini

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international humanitarian organization whose main objective is to protect, support and promote long-term solutions for displaced populations.

DRB has existed in Ukraine since 2014. At the moment, more than 700 employees work in the DRB in total on the territory of Ukraine. In 2024, the DRB will continue to significantly expand to implement emergency response in the sectors of social and legal protection, economic development, housing reconstruction and resettlement, and humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding (humanitarian demining), providing direct support to responsible individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and as well as their partners. DRB will continue to develop long-term solutions, adapting them to the changing situation.

DRB is currently looking for a Lead Psychosocial Support Specialist for its activities in Mykolaiv.

This position will report to the manager social and legal protection groups.

General purpose of the role:

Under the supervision of the head of the group on social and legal protection, a leading specialist in of psychosocial support issues will provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to targeted individuals and communities. He/she will work closely with individuals, families and communities to meet their emotional, social and mental health needs and promote recovery and resilience. 

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Conduct group sessions to promote mutual support, socialization and positive coaching strategies.
• Support the development of training activities for diverse groups.
• Support the development and delivery of psychoeducational sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management, accessible mental health services and stress coping skills.
• li>
• Consult with the community about psychosocial support needs.
• Collaborate with other service providers such as health professionals and social workers and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when necessary.
• Proactively identify public spaces that provide privacy for the organization of psychosocial support activities. 
• Promote community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities by encouraging the active participation of individuals, families and community stakeholders.
• Identifying and supporting, including through awareness and capacity building, local resources such as community organizations orvolunteers, to increase the availability of psychosocial support at the community level.
• Plan and participate in capacity building sessions as needed and required, including psychological first aid.
• Promote development and constant updating of a service mapping system with a detailed description of available services and assistance in the DRB's areas of activity.
• Prepare regular reports on activities, achievements, challenges and recommendations. 
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the manager of social and legal protection related to the achievement of the goals of social and legal protection.

About you:

To be successful as a Lead fpsychosocial support worker we expect the following:

• Education in the field of psychology or social work is an advantage.
• Experience is preferred, but not required in social work, case management or counseling, etc. 
• Ability to speak on sensitive topics and work with people in distress.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, staff and stakeholders with of various origins.
• Experience with personnel is desirable. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• High professional ethics and understanding of confidentiality and ethics. 
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
• Good knowledge of English is desirable.
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian language is mandatory.

All DRB positions require the incumbent to possess core competences of DRB:

• Strive for excellence: focus on achieving results while ensuring effective processes.
• Collaboration: engaging relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking initiative: taking take responsibility and initiative, striving for innovation.
• Communication: listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRB's values ​​and Code of Conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer:

Contract: indefinite contract after successful completion of the 3-month trial period;

Level:H is non-management

Place of duties: Mykolaiv

Start date: as soon as possible

Applications are open to citizens of Ukraine only. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the employment conditions of the Danish Refugee Council.

Application process:

All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no more than four pages) in English.

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 31 May 2024.