The overall purpose of the role:
The Psychologist will ensure the emotional and social well-being of the children supported by DRC by supporting the implementation of a Psychosocial 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 refugee 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 to PSS, Psychological first aid and other related topics.

Responsibilities and tasks
• Provide ongoing technical support to staff implementing psycho-social support activities in Child-Friendly Spaces and the Community.
• Assess psycho-social or Psychosocial needs, risk assessments and psychometric testing if needed.
• Facilitating Capacity building sessions for key staff teams including social workers as well as associates 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 themes for staff to undertake to build their capacity.
• Develop and update work plans for the implementation of PSS activities.
• Regular follow-up to ensure all services and action 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 organizations for the provision of psycho-social support (as needed) to affected children and young people in all plans 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 CFSs 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 the 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 who face psycho-social issues and the consequences this has on their families and community.
• Responsible for ensuring the provision of individual and group counselling/ discussion for beneficiaries and caregivers 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 centres and offices with relevant PSS materials including manuals or books, IEC among others.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a related field
• Demonstrates a good understanding of mental health and psycho-social support practices in a 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.

Languages:
• Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English and Swahili, knowledge of Kirundi is an advantage.