Psychologist

Overall purpose of the role: 

The Psychologist works as part of DRC’s team under the direct supervision of the Protection team leader and guidance support of the Protection coordinator. The role is based in Kasulu/Kibondo and shall conduct regular field visits to the host villages near by Nyarugusu and Nduta refugee camp. 
The Psychologist will ensure the emotional and social well being of the children supported by DRC by supporting implementation of Psycho social support programme within the DRC Emergency Responses in Kigoma Region. The position holder in coordination with staff in child protection particularly case management, Psycho-social Support (PSS) and community-based teams as well as partners will ensure that refugees children receive timely and appropriate structured psycho-social support services. S/he will also be facilitating training for the PSS staff on key topics including but not limited PSS, Psychological first aid and other related topics.

Program Responsibilities 

• Provide on-going technical support to staff implementing psycho-social support activities in Child Friendly Space and the Community.
• Undertake assessment of psycho-social or Psycho social needs, risk assessments and psychometric testing if needed.
• Facilitating capacity building sessions for key staff teams including social workers as well as associate such as incentives workers and partners on PSS, Psychological first aid and effectively communicating with children and youth in distress among others.
• Identify online courses on PSS and other related theme for staff to undertake in order to build their capacity.
• Develop and update work plans for the implementation of PSS activities.
• Regular follow up to ensure all services and actions points listed in the case plan are carried out within agreed time frames.
• Develop and put in place the necessary tools to evaluate the outcomes of Psycho-social support intervention.
• Writing reports and record keeping of all information regarding activities (Data, weekly reports, monthly reports) respecting quality standards.
• Collaborate with key agencies, local authorities and organization for provision of provide psycho-social support (as needed) to affected children and young people in all plan’s and sometimes their families as well.
• Represent DRC in relevant working groups such as the MHPSS WG and others as will be required.
• Empower staff teams especially those managing CFS and case management to be able to identify children with Psycho-social issues and how to provide Psychological first aid in the absence of a psychologist.
• Work in close collaboration with child protection team leader and other team leaders to ensure that the psycho-social well-being of children and young people is addressed.
• Support teams in addressing the special needs of beneficiaries that face psycho-social issue and the consequences this has on their families and community.
• Responsible for ensuring the provision of individual and group counselling/ discussion for beneficiaries and care givers in orders to facilitate his/her community integration.
• Support staff’s teams in the CFS and case management to ensure the PSS spaces are according to standard and record management including database is effective.
• Identify and work with management to equip centers and office with relevant PSS materials including manuals or books, IEC among others. 
• Adhere to DRC SOPs and guidelines, policies, tools, handbook and guidelines and ensure that project activities are implemented in accordance with project agreements.

Data collection and reporting 

• With support from CPIM officer track indicators, maintain, update and analyse data on Child psychology case management activity and indicator. 
• With support from CP Team leader, prepare and submit timely and quality weekly, monthly, quality and other donor reports as per the donor requirements. Accountable to meet reporting deadline. 
nafasi za kazi
• Support and working closely with CP Information Management officer and M&E on program data collection, track indicators, maintain, update and analyse data on CP prevention activity and indicator.

Program management 

• Support and strengthen PSS unit and child-led groups / clubs, animators.
• Represent DRC and the program with relevant government and coordinating agencies on programme, secure their support and follow up with them on progress.
• Coordinate with other agencies offering PSS services to children on referral and transfer of cases.
• Share information on field-level successes and challenges with the Child Protection team and other agencies as appropriate.

Logistics Duties 

• Take care of equipment’s and supplies for the job 
• Ensure working equipment’s are in good condition and replenish/repairs when out of order 
• Reports immediately any security incidence/issue detected in the DRC premises 

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience) 

• At least 3 years of professional experience in PSS, child Protection, Social work in humanitarian or development programming.
• Demonstrates good understanding of mental health and psycho-social support practices in similar position.
• Experience with refugees will be an added advantage
• Interpersonal and psycho therapeutic skills.
• Patience, stress management and confidentiality.
• Good knowledge of computer applications. 
• Good training abilities.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology preferably child/developmental psychology, counselling or psychology equivalent (A master degree will be an added advantage) in well recognized college or university (preferred)    

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology preferably child/developmental psychology, counselling or psychology equivalent (A master degree will be an added advantage) in well recognized college or university (preferred)

Languages:

• Good proficiency in written and spoken English, and Swahili. Kirundi an added advantage

Core competencies       Basic    Advanced    Expert
Striving for excellence    ☐             ☒              ☐

Collaborating                  ☐             ☒              ☐

Taking the lead               ☐             ☒              ☐

Communicating              ☐             ☒              ☐

Demonstrating integrity  ☐             ☒              ☐

• Basic: I master the essentials, but may at times need help from others
• Advanced: I can work independently at full professional level.
• Expert: I am the go-to person when others need help.