Protection Assistant-PSS Full Time

• Title: Protection Assistant-PSS
• Contract Type: National Contract
• Location: Afar, Ethiopia
• Employment Category: I2
• Salary Range: As per the organization scale
• Reporting To: Protection Manager
• Posting date: January 24, 2025
• Required Employee: 1

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. DRC Ethiopia began operations in 2009 and has been responding to the needs of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities ever since. DRC Ethiopia currently has programs implemented through five area offices (AO) in Gambella, Tigray, Somali (Jijiga & Dollo Ado) and Afar regions, as well as its country office (CO) in Addis Ababa.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Under the supervision of protection officer, the protection assistants _PSS, will be responsible for assisting protection activities. The protection assistant_PSS provides support to individual, group and families accessing the psychosocial services. This role helps ensure clients receive the appropriate resources, referrals and follow-up to address their mental health, emotional and social needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translate PSS and other materials into local languages;
• Assist protection officer/PSS/ in facilitating group and individual counseling sessions based on DRC’s PSS SOPS and other PSS guidelines
• Conduct intake assessment to gather information about clients’ needs and concerns
• Provide resources and referral information to connect clients with relevant service providers and accompany the clients if necessary
• Participate in creation and distributing of communication materials needed for Information Communication and Education (IEC), like mental health leaflets or other education brochures.
• Facilitate culturally appropriate recreational services to help PoCs in processing distressing feelings and serve as a positive distraction from crisis at hand
• Assist peer mentorship and socioemotional programs
• Properly document activities by ensuring confidentiality
• Carry out other tasks directed by the supervisor

DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• 1-year experience relevant experience to the position
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources and social service programs related with mental health, protection, housing etc.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and data entry
• Previous experience in mental health, protection or community-based setting is an asset.

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certificate in human services or related field is preferred.

LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)

• Proficient of English language
• Knowledge of local language is an advantage