Social Worker

[Duhok,Iraq ]

About Jesuit Refugee Service:

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), founded in 1980, is an international Catholic non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, that they may heal, learn, and determine their own future.

JRS programmes are currently found in 56 countries, serving refugees and other forcibly displaced persons in conflict zones and detention centres, on remote borders and in busy cities. We run pastoral care and psychosocial support programmes in detention centres and refugee camps, and provide humanitarian relief in emergency displacement situations. Education and livelihoods programmes provide skill development and opportunities for integration into host communities.

Since October 2014, JRS has worked in Iraq to uphold and restore the dignity of forcibly displaced persons and returnees, show compassion to the most vulnerable among them, and be a sign of hope that a shared future is possible.

Learn more at https://jrs.net and www.facebook.com/jrsiraq

 

General Purpose of the Position:

This position is based in Sharya and is open to female applicants only.

To help implement the protection component of the JRS programme in Sharya, Duhok. To provide holistic individual social work support and group activities. To ensure the safety of and improve practical and social support for displaced genocide survivors including survivors of ISIS captivity and GBV.

 

Main Responsibilities

1.  INDIVIDUAL CASE MANAGEMENT / ON-TO-ONE SUPPORT

• Conduct assessment and plan of support according to case management steps and guidelines
• Provide individual support to improve social and practical problems and emotional well-being
• Work closely with MHPSS team to ensure safety risks are managed and high-risk and protection cases are dealt with accordingly, particularly for GBV and Child Protection cases
• Provide tailored case management for child survivors of ISIS captivity, work with MHPSS team on rehabilitation programme
• Work with caregivers and family of child survivors to improve home environment and engagement in the programme
• Support the Family Visits teams to identify protection concerns and collaborate to support families in the home, conduct visit

2.  REFERRALS

• Ensure individuals can access all relevant JRS services
• Manage referrals to external service providers and ensure adequate follow-up
• Cultivate relationships with local organisations to improve referrals and map services

 3.  AWARENESS RAISING

• Assist teams to carry out awareness raising sessions with groups of adults and/or children on protection topics
• Help individuals to understand their rights and services they can access
• Help to provide psychoeducation to community members on mental health topics and to reduce stigma on accessing services

4.  FACILITATING GROUPS 

• Assist with planning and facilitating group outings and social events as required
• Assist with planning and facilitating group sessions or activities for child survivors as required

5.  PROTECTION FOCAL POINT 

• Act as a focal person for protection in Sharya
• Analyse the needs of people served, collect information on protection issues and trends as part of daily work
• Ensure implementation of protection policies and guidance
• Conduct and attend protection training as required

6.  RECORDING AND REPORTING 

• Record case files according to procedures
• Ensure sensitive and confidential data management
• Provide data to project, country and regional office staff as required
• Contribute to monthly reports for the Country Office

7.  OTHER

• Respond to other tasks as required by supervisor or project team
• Attend supervision meetings
• Attend working group meetings as required

 

Qualifications & Competencies

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or relevant field
• Or 3 years’ work experience in one of these fields
• Training in case management is desirable

Work Experience:

• Minimum 1-year experience working as a social worker, psychologist, case management or related field
• Experience working with vulnerable people and/or children
• Experience working with people who have experienced GBV and who have complex mental health needs
• Experience in facilitating groups
• Experience in making referrals
• Experience in conducting needs assessments
• Experience in case management is desirable
• Experience training and supervising others is desirable

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge on protection topics, particularly GBV and Child Protection and Safeguarding
• Knowledge on concepts of ethical practice such as confidentiality, empowerment, consent
• Knowledge of the issues affecting the community we serve, particularly displaced Yazidis and survivors of GBV
• Knowledge on human rights is desirable

Skills:

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to build relationships and trust with vulnerable individuals
• Group facilitation
• Creativity and youth work
• Strong IT skills, proficiency in Microsoft365^TM applications
• Organisation and teamwork
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Languages:

• Strong Kurdish (Kurmanji), Arabic and English language skills are needed for this role.

 

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit their CV accompanied by a cover letter. The cover letter should explain (1) why the applicant considers her/himself suitable for this position; and (2) how s/he can contribute to the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) as a member of staff.

Applications are to be sent by email to the Human Resources Officer [email protected] by Thursday, 25 November 2021 COB, marked Social Worker in the subject line.

The email text should make clear reference to this recruitment and should show the name and contact details of the sender. Both the CV and the cover letter should be in English and are to be sent as Word or pdf attachments. Links to online documents will not be opened.

CVs not accompanied by a cover letter or without the title of the position in the subject line, as explained above, will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.