Protection Assistant – Pediatric Counsellor

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 2 years’ hands on experience in providing psychosocial support and counseling to children survivors of trauma, SGBV and other children at risk.
  
• Must be a Licensed Counsellor. (Registered with relevant counselling body eg Kenya Counsellors and Psychologist Association)
  
• Must have in depth technical expertise in case management and psychosocial support -pediatric counseling to children at risk including Unaccompanied children and separated children (UASCs)
  
• Experience in providing trauma counseling
  
• Experience and technical knowledge in establishing community-based child protection networks including foster careers, committees etc.
  
• Knowledge of international and national child protection standards and instruments
  
• Experience and proven ability to work as part of a team and lead teams to strive for result
  
• Excellent analytical and writing skills; cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local partners and other stakeholders
  
• Experience and willingness to work in the field and proficient in the use of computer/email/internet
  

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in (Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology
  

Language:

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Swahili.
  

Case management:

• Facilitate and conduct provision of professional counselling services for children with protection concerns by conducting play and art therapy, individual and group sessions, psycho-education session and work with caregivers to address children concerns.
  
• Conduct/ensure regular follow-up visits to monitor the rehabilitation and reintegration of clients, and document changes identified.
  
• Participate in the interpretation of the data analyzed on trends and work with team to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
  
• Support in the preparation of accurate reports for all Psycho-social related activities.
  
• Ensure that child survivors of sexual gender base violent (SGBV) and exploitation receive appropriate care and follow-up.
  
• Undertake documentation of counselling services in accordance with DRC broader Case Management and CPIMS protocols and systems.
  
• Facilitate direct professional counselling services for UAMs, separated children and other vulnerable children identified and/or referred by child protection social workers and partners
  
• Participate in monthly CFS coordination meetings and work with all key stakeholders to advocate for improvements in systems that affect child safety and well-being in the camp and settlement.
  
• Conduct counseling follows up to children referred for BID process and update their information to be presented in BID panel meetings review for decisions.
  
• Facilitate play and art therapy, psychoeducation session at the CFS and community level.
  
• Ensure proper management of the child friendly spaces (CFS) and smooth running of psychosocial activities within the settlement/camp are functional.
  
• Participate in crisis response, provide crisis counselling to individuals and/or groups during emergencies and after critical incidents, and ensure follow up support.
  
• Empower and support structures that enable children and their caregivers to participate in decision-making and understand their rights through dissemination of relevant, child friendly information at the community level.
  
• Submit timely weekly, monthly, quarterly & annual reports to the Protection Team Leader
  
• Support the realization of DRC Localization strategy by participating in Partner Identification process, Partner Capacity Assessment sessions and Project close-out meetings.
  

Coordination and Networking:

• Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at the camp level, to ensure that survivors receive quality services and support both at the agency levels.
  
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings such as the Case Conferences, inter-agency meetings and as assigned.
  
• Strengthen existing referral systems and identify new networks to work with to ensure holistic support to the clients.
  
• Work in close collaboration with the prevention team to ensure ongoing needs of at-risk groups, children are being met in the prevention related activities.
  
• In collaboration with other partners, improve psychosocial interventions within the refugee community focusing on the psychosocial needs of adolescent youth and children.
  
• Facilitate training for key stakeholders on child protection standards, children rights, case management and psychosocial support.
  

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Facilitate formation of support groups for teenage mothers and other vulnerable children.
  
• Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders, camp management and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
  
• Support the Pediatric Officer and PC Assistants, in dissemination of relevant information during the feedback meetings and forums with children.
  
• Implement DRC child protection activities aimed at building the capacity and resilience of children and adolescents.
  

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Assist in preparing daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reports, progress notes, and treatment plans on time
  
• Use appropriate data collection tools and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate manner
  
• Work closely with the refugee staff to ensure quality reporting
  
• Ensure Core Humanitarian Standards are mainstreamed in the day to day project implementation
  
• Attend relevant training forums relevant to the job
  
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the supervisor
  

Staff supervision and Development:

• Provide supervision to the Para counsellors and ensure effective provision of Psycho-social services.
  
• Conduct continuous performance/evaluation for the Para counsellors working under her/him.
  
• Conduct regular case conference meetings with the Para-counsellors both at individual and group levels.
  
• Participate in regular supervision session for counselors and case workers.