Greece: Psychosocial Support Officer (PSS Officer) / National Contract

General:

In response to the population movement crisis in Greece from early 2015, and to meet the needs of migrant population in centres where they are accommodated, Red Cross Movement partners (Hellenic RC - HRC, IFRC and Partner RC) are providing basic health and Psychosocial support (PSS) services in addition to supporting hygiene/sanitation issues and the distribution of relief items.

From August 2017, PSS services will continue in three sites as part of the ECHO managed grant as well as the IFRC emergency appeal (Skaramagas, Ritsona and Nea Kavala) based on needs and in coordination with other actors in the sites. Services include various activities for children and for adults, with the objective of providing the specific psychological support migrants need. Psychological support is provided also to the Red Cross (RC) staff and volunteers, who are involved in the operation. The Danish Red Cross is also providing PSS as well as support to PSS activities of the HRC, and these activities and methodologies need to be coordinated.

PSS activities were supported from the IFRC by the PSS delegate during May 2016 – April 2017. From May2017, the activities were coordinated by the Health coordinator of the IFRC in cooperation with the HRC PSS coordinator. Considering that PSS is one of the main needs to address, and to strengthen the HRC technical capacity in planning, implementation and monitoring of PSS activities, the need for a PSS officer was identified. The PSS officer will work under the health coordinator’s supervision.

For the end of 2017, and 2018, part of the PSS activities will be handed over to authorities or Greek NGOs. Depending on the situation, RC might also invest in developing an approach; providing the psychotherapy to migrants.

Job Purpose:

The PSS Officer is responsible for guiding a PSS team in cooperation with the PSS coordinator of HRC, ensuring that the migrants/refugees, as well as the staff and volunteers of the Hellenic Red Cross receive the appropriate PSS services. Special focus will be given to those experiencing emotional distress and mental health needs, as well as particularly vulnerable groups, including women, children and youth and persons with disabilities. The officer will ensure that the programmes are reported with quality to IFRC, and support the field teams in ensuring similar approaches are used. The PSS officer will also be expected to further develop the PSS framework in use, so that we are clearly explaining our approach in terms of needs and impact (objectives), not just activities and output. Creating ties with the Greek mental health system and authorities will be important.

Duties and Responsibilities: The post holder will be responsible for the following duties:

(Please note that this is Not an exhaustive List. There are other duties and responsibilities not mentioned in this Job Advertisement).

Program implementation, capacity-building & coordination:

• Identify training needs of PSS staff and volunteers, and update training plan together with HRC PSS coordinator

• Conduct workshops together with HRC PSS coordinator to strengthen the local capacity in PSS/PFA, and stress management

• Plan coordinated trainings with the HRC PSS Coordinator and PNS PSS Delegates and ensures harmonised curricula.

• In collaboration with HRC PSS coordinator and PNS PSS Delegates develop harmonised guidelines and procedures (SOPs) for PSS activities.

• Support with team-building and professional development of staff

• Support and strengthen the role and capacity of the HRC Coordinator in collaboration with the DRCs PSS Delegate

• Assess the evolving needs for PSS support and advise the IFRC Health coordinator on the development of a plan of action. including relevant programme materials and tools

• Support PSS staff to provide integrated case management and psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals and families.

• Follow up the development of referral pathways.

• Engage community leaders, community-based organizations, and other service providers in supporting beneficiaries to access PSS services.

• Ensure participation from beneficiaries in program development, implementation, evaluation and feedback mechanisms for accountability

• In coordination with the country Community Engagement and Accountability delegate, develop key messages, methodologies and material for PSS

• Support with relevant inputs the HRC PSS coordinator and the DRC PSS Delegate to the development of a HRC PSS strategy.

• Work closely with support departments of the IFRC to ensure proper programme administration and the logistical implementation of activities in programme sites

• Represent the RC in relevant coordination meetings and coordinate with stakeholders

• Further develop the PSS framework in use, so that we are clearly explaining our approach in terms of needs and impact (objectives), not just activities and output.

• Creating ties with the Greek mental health system and authorities will be important

• Ensuring possible handovers of activities to NGOs or authorities are done with quality.

• Depending on the situation, the PSS officer might need to support in planning and developing an approach for RC to do clinical level counselling work.

Monitoring:

• Together with HRC PSS coordinator, coordinate RC PSS teams across several sites, primarily Psychosocial Support Officers, to ensure service delivery and quality standards in line with RC’s approach, the IASC MHPSS guidelines, and other best practices

• Supervise and monitor the quality and quantity of the psychosocial activities. It includes continuity of current activities and development of new ones.

• Assess and identify the evolving needs for psychosocial support to adapt activities accordingly, in line with IASC guidelines and WHO/UNHCR MHPSS assessment toolkit

Reporting:

• Ensure regular disaggregated and cumulative tracking of clients/beneficiaries, and documentation of all activities and outcomes. One of the primary tasks is to ensure all programmes are reporting with quality to IFRC, to ensure back donor reporting requirements.

• Prepare the monthly reports on PSS activities, and ensure their timely submission

• Provide the input to the IFRC reports (PBR, PU, and etc)

• Maintain program files and documentation as per program management minimum standards, including maintaining the confidentiality and security of client data.

• Ensure programming is on track to meet objectives; reporting daily on important issues that are cross-cutting.

Duties Applicable to All Staff

· Actively work towards the achievement of the needed goals of the organization.

· Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles.

· Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications:

Knowledge:

· Essential Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification

· Essential Relevant Professional Training Courses

· Preferred: Professional background in social welfare and/or psychosocial issues

Work Experience:

Essential:

· Minimum of 3 years work experience with an International Organisation, international non-governmental organization, NGO and/or government development agency

· Ability and experience to effectively provide training on PSS/PFA

· Solid experience with the provision of psychosocial support and Psychosocial First Aid

· Strong background in Project Cycle Management (planning, implementation and monitoring)

· Excellent report-writing skills and product delivery to tight deadlines

Preferred:

· Experience with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (Basic Training Course, FACT training, working experience)

· Understanding of Greek mental health system

· Understanding of psychological or psychiatric treatment needs (case management), notably of migrants

Knowledge and Skills:**

Required:

· Fluently spoken and written Greek and English Languages

· Arabic and/or French would be an advantage

· Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, word-processing, email, etc.).

Other:

· Team player, self- motivated and proactive on own initiative to set and achieve goals

· Excellent interpersonal, communication, coordination and networking skills

· Ability to negotiate and develop work relationships

· Ability to represent IFRC

· Good mentoring and capacity development skills. Demonstrable accountability.

· Able to work well in a multicultural team and in a changing environment.

Interested candidates should send English CV and Cover letter to the following e-mail address: hr.greece@ifrc.org Please mention the Position Title in the subject of the e-mail.

Only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted. Please note that this is a National Greek Contract. IFRC does not assist in Visa Applications.

All CVs will be treated with strict confidentiality