Psychosocial Support (PSS) Officer

Job Title: Psychosocial Support (PSS) Officer

Location: Based in Kharkiv & periodic travel to Sumska Oblast

Duration: 1 year

Position Type: Full - time

Start date: ASAP

Report to: Head of Sub-Office, Kharkiv

 Who are we

LWF World Service is the internationally recognized humanitarian and development arm of the LWF. Today, LWF is a widely recognized international organization present in more than 20 countries. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, LWF has established major humanitarian operation in Kharkiv oblast in the areas of Shelter rehabilitation, Winterization, School shelter rehabilitation, Protection including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Food and NFIs distribution. Previously LWF Ukraine extended humanitarian support in Chernihiv Oblast and now doing need assessment to expand humanitarian support in Sumska Oblast. LWF Ukraine aims to support IDPs, returnees and other affected communities in the Kharkiv and Sumska oblasts. LWF Ukraine coordinates and works closely with the Government of Ukraine, local authorities, the LWF member church, ACT Alliance members, civil society organizations, UN inter-agencies and other relevant actors for effective implementation of the programs.

Short summary of the position 

The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Officer is mainly responsible to plan, implement and follow-up on MHPSS activities, mobilize and work with LWF Community Mobilizers to facilitate access to services through the inter-agency referral system, SGBV prevention, and awareness-raising and ensure the quality of the planning, implementation and follow up of all technical aspects of the MHPSS sector activities being implemented by LWF Ukraine and the local partners to respond the Ukraine crisis. Furthermore, he/she will develop and maintain good relations with IDPs, returnees and hosts, relevant stakeholders, and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of LWF’s MHPSS relevant activities to the persons of concern.

Job description, requirements, and skills 

ROLE AND REPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and supervises PS support provided by the LWF and partners activities and positive coping activities to IDPs, returnees and affected hosts.
• Conducts MHPSS assessments and works as the staff care focal person.
• Plans organizes and conducts group meetings and relevant MHPSS trainings
• Conducts workshops, seminars, and lectures in collaboration with the relevant team members and external actors to increase the mental wellbeing of the persons of concern 
• Conducts awareness-raising sessions regarding the availability of MHPSS, and protection services for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to teachers, parents/ caregivers.
• Performs regular family visits done together with trained Community Mobilizers to provide parental socio-emotional education given by family counselors.
• Works with LWF Community Mobilizers and LWF local partners to identify and refer cases for more specialized case management services.
• Organizes capacity building events/training including PSS Training of Trainers (ToT), CBPS Basic Training and Refresher training as needed and required.
• Identifies and provision of assisting devices for the targeted children with special needs.
• Provides access to MHPSS related information/communication materials.
• Maintains effective working relationships with LWF partners, UN/INGOs, Red Cross and other relevant stakeholders including civil society groups, local authorities, etc.
• Develops/contributes to developing and continuously updating a MHPSS service mapping system detailing available services and assistance and ensuring follow-up of referrals to local authorities, inter-agencies, and Red Cross in a timely manner.
• Ensure adherence to LWF policies related to Safeguarding and Code of Conduct.
• Ensure activities are recorded and documented accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attend and represent LWF in the UN Inter-Agency Clusters/Sectors and Protection Working Group meetings organized in Kharkiv, Sumska and Kyiv levels.
• Collect and analyze data on Safeguarding risk factors in LWF operation, map out potential risk areas in community and recommend how to enhance prevention strategies.
• Ensure compliance (i.e., government, donor, organizational policies/procedures), including LWF CoC, safeguarding, and associated donor policies and guidelines.  
• Documents and reports  the work according to the guidelines of IASC Common M&E Framework for MHPSS in Emergency Settings (version 2.0).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and experiences

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, or relevant subject.
• At least 3 years’ experience on humanitarian work in Ukraine or in similar contexts.
• Strong understanding of protection issues including child protection and GBVs.
• Ability to discuss sensitive issues with respect and empathy.
• Knowledge of global MHPSS networks and guidelines.

Professional requirements

• Professional Experience, Knowledge & Understanding of PSEA, Child Safeguarding, CoC, Complaints Mechanism, and HR Manual. 
• Commitment to learning and implementing LWF policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a flexible but organized and responsive manner under pressure and in stressful situations where priority setting is required.
• Ability to provide basic PFA services and trained in MHPSS practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and solution-focused approach to working relationships.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to deal with sensitive situations with integrity.
• Ensure LWF policies and procedures are understood and applied at all times.

Personal requirements

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including influencing and negotiation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of LWF staff and beneficiaries.
• Motivated, committed and with a willingness to take on additional duties.
• A commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and non-discriminatory approach.
• A commitment to working in a multi-cultural environment with staff and beneficiaries.
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
• Teamwork, Collaboration and Commitment to Continuous Learning 

Deadline for application

How to apply

Send your CV and application letter to: Отправить резюме

For more information on our organization, you can visit our website: www.lutheranworld.org

Note on the closing date for applications: The position is open now until it is filled. However, LWF will start interviewing perspective candidates upon receiving the applications. Therefore, all perspective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for the position at their earliest convenience.