Community Social Worker

Requisition ID: req51604

Job Title: Community Social Worker

Sector: Health

Employment Category: Fixed Term

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Odesa, Ukraine

Job Description

BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC)
responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives
and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and
gain control of their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein,
the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and
the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within
their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S.
cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic wellbeing,
education, and power. Given the disparity faced by women and girls, IRC seeks
to narrow gender inequalities and ensure social inclusion of all vulnerable
groups in broader policies, processes and actions affecting their lives. The
IRC has been working in Ukraine since March 2022, initially supporting
emergency response and early recovery interventions for IDPs affected by the
conflict.

This position will be based in Odesa
office, with daily work in Kherson oblast.

JOB SUMMARY:
Community Social Worker
will identify social protection issues inside designated communities and address
them to IRC protection teams, provide comprehensive psycho-social support to
individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions and their
families. Through work in MHPSS Mobile Unit, will assess beneficiary
vulnerabilities, develop tailored case management strategies, and conduct
regular home visits. Additionally, responsibilities include facilitating social
assistance, documentation, employment opportunities, and engaging communities
in psychosocial group activities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Visiting communities in the predefined area to identify specific protection issues, as well as conducting necessary needs assessments.
Provide holistic psychosocial support to individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions and their families.
Work collaboratively within the MHPSS Mobile Team to assess the specific vulnerabilities of beneficiaries and develop tailored case management strategies accordingly.
Conduct regular home visits to ensure continuous monitoring of the physical and mental well-being of identified cases and their families.
Support individuals regarding documentation, social assistance, hygiene packages, and potentially facilitating employment opportunities.
Collaborate closely with IRC’s protection team to ensure comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals.
Engage local communities in PSS group activities to foster the inclusion of vulnerable individuals.
Organize additional PSS activities for caregivers and service providers to prevent burnout.
Refer cases of individuals in need of other types of support inside and outside IRC and follow-up when needed
Support in procurement and delivery of additional medical aids and equipment according to the needs of vulnerable individuals.
Ensure reporting of attendance per activity and ensure that the data collected is accurate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or relevant field.
A minimum of two years of prior experience, particularly in social protection, community engagement, and PSS.
Strong understanding of protection and case management principles and practices.
Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required, and basic knowledge in English is desirable.
Proficiency in IT skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is essential for tasks such as data collection, mapping updates, and providing detailed weekly reports on outreach activities.
Female candidates are highly encouraged
to apply.

REPORTING LINES
Position reports to Senior Health Officer.
Position Techically reports to Protection and Rule of Law (PRoL) Manager.
Closely collaborate with Other members of MHPSS Mobile Unit (Psychologist, Nurse, Psychiatrist and Pharmacist), Protection team and local partner organization.
PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
The International
Rescue Committee is determined to protect the people it serves and staff from
all kinds of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. It is
committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where
people feel safe. IRC builds diverse and inclusive teams of professionals who
promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver
the best possible services to our clients.

IRC workers must
adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for
Professional Conduct.  These are
Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these
values, the IRC operates and enforces its safeguarding policies to protect
adult and child clients from any form of exploitation and abuse, including
sexual exploitation and abuse, and its staff from sexual harassment and
violence.

Where misconduct
is alleged, IRC follows a Zero tolerance approach and takes all necessary
actions and corrective measures. IRC investigation unit comprises of experts
and trained investigators that ensures professional survivor-centered
investigations are conducted if allegations of safeguarding violations are
reported through the safe and accessible reporting channels that IRC makes
available to its staff, partners, and clients.

These commitments
are set out in IRC’s Safeguarding Policies, accessible in English and in
Ukrainian language via this link: https://rescue.box.com/v/irc-safeguarding-policies

IRC is an active
member of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation
and Abuse (PSEA) set-up in Ukraine.

We will ensure
that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to
participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential
job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Please contact us to request accommodation.