Psychosocial Support (PSS) Assistant

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Community Development, or a related field.
  
• Experience in psychosocial support, community-based programming, or humanitarian work, preferably in conflict affected or displacement contexts.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable populations such as IDPs, returnees, women, children, and survivors of conflict-related trauma.
  
• Basic knowledge of psychosocial support principles, PFA principles, referral pathways, and protection standards.
  

Desirable

• Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Community Development, or a related field.
  
• Additional professional training or certification in MHPSS, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Child Protection, or Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response.
  
• 2-3 years of hands-on experience providing psychosocial support in humanitarian, conflict-affected, or displacement settings.
  
• Experience coordinating or supporting community-based PSS programs and working with volunteers or community focal points.
  

• Facilitate individual and group based psychosocial support sessions for participants, including IDPs, returnees, and host community members.
  
• Assist in community mobilization and sensitization to ensure inclusive participation in PSS activities, working closely with community leaders, volunteers, and focal persons.
  
• Identify individuals experiencing psychosocial distress and provide basic psychosocial support and Psychological First Aid (PFA) as appropriate, with timely referrals to specialized services.
  

B. Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation

• Support routine monitoring of psychosocial support activities to ensure quality, effectiveness, and compliance with project objectives and MHPSS standards.
  
• Accurately complete and maintain all required PSS documentation, including attendance registers, session reports, case notes, referral forms, and activity tracking tools.
  
• Ensure timely submission of daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
  
• Collect basic monitoring data and community feedback to support program learning, adaptation, and accountability to affected populations.
  

C. Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage and maintain a strong relationship with community leaders, religious and traditional structures to support acceptance, participation, and ownership of psychosocial support activities.
  
• Work closely with community volunteers, facilitators, and focal persons to support outreach, mobilization, and delivery of PSS services.
  
• Coordinate with partner organizations, UN agencies, and local NGOs to support referrals, information sharing, and avoid duplication of services.
  

D. Training & Capacity Building

• Participate actively in induction, refresher trainings, and capacity-building sessions related to psychosocial support, Psychological First Aid (PFA), safeguarding, and protection principles.
  
• Apply knowledge and skills gained from trainings to day-to-day PSS activities under the guidance and supervision of the Protection Officer.
  
• Support basic orientation and on-the-job capacity building of community volunteers and focal persons involved in PSS service delivery.
  

E. Logistics & Operational Support

• Support logistical arrangements for psychosocial support activities, including preparation of activity sites, materials, and coordination of transportation in line with security protocols.
  
• Ensure proper use, accountability, and safe storage of PSS materials, equipment, and supplies provided for field activities.
  
• Assist in planning and coordinating field movements, considering security, accessibility, and community schedules.