Pediatric Counsellor Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance and support to refugees and displaced persons around the world. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on protecting the rights of displaced individuals and providing them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives. The organization employs thousands of staff globally and is committed to ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met through various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Pediatric Counsellor Intern will play a crucial role in delivering psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support and basic mental health services to children affected by displacement, trauma, and adversity. This position is particularly focused on the Dadaab refugee camps, specifically Ifo, Ifo 2, and Dagahaley. The intern will work closely with case workers and community structures to promote child wellbeing, resilience, and recovery. The role involves engaging with children in both structured and unstructured settings, providing emotional support, and assisting in the identification of children in need of further assistance. The intern will also be involved in community outreach efforts to educate caregivers on child wellbeing and positive parenting practices, thereby fostering a supportive environment for children in the camps.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Psychosocial Support (PSS): The intern will support the delivery of both structured and non-structured PSS activities for children, which includes conducting individual and group sessions. They will assist in organizing child-friendly spaces and recreational activities that promote emotional wellbeing. Additionally, the intern will provide basic psychological first aid (PFA) under supervision and help identify children showing signs of distress, trauma, or developmental concerns.
• Case Management Support: The intern will assist in the intake, assessment, and documentation of child protection cases under supervision. They will support the referral process for children requiring specialized services such as mental health care, medical attention, or gender-based violence (GBV) response. Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to safe data management practices is essential, as is following up on cases to ensure continuity of care.
• Community Engagement & Outreach: The intern will support awareness sessions for caregivers on topics related to child wellbeing, positive parenting, and stress management. They will engage with community-based child protection mechanisms and assist in identifying at-risk children within the community.
• Coordination & Reporting: The intern will maintain accurate records of activities and submit regular updates to their supervisor. Participation in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision sessions is expected, along with supporting monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection for PSS interventions.
• Safeguarding & Ethical Practice: The intern must uphold child safeguarding and protection policies at all times, ensuring that all interventions follow the best interest of the child principles. They will maintain strict confidentiality and informed consent/assent practices throughout their work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma certificate (or be currently pursuing similar studies) in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Child Development, or a related field from a recognized institution. A demonstrated interest in child protection, mental health, or humanitarian work is essential. Previous volunteer or internship experience in community work, child support, or counselling is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a basic understanding of trauma-informed care and child development principles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in relevant fields such as Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or Child Development. Candidates who are currently pursuing similar studies may also be considered. The educational qualifications should be from a recognized or certified institution, ensuring that the intern has a solid foundation in the principles of child development and mental health.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, preferably through previous volunteer or internship roles in community work, child support, or counselling. While formal work experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience that demonstrates a commitment to child protection and mental health will be advantageous. The intern should also have a basic understanding of trauma-informed care and child development, which can be gained through academic studies or practical experiences.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for interacting with children, caregivers, and team members. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Dadaab refugee camps would be considered a valuable asset, as it would enhance the intern's ability to engage with the community and provide support to children and families in their preferred language.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this internship is set for 7 months, and the salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council's terms of employment for interns. The intern will report directly to the Protection Officer-Child Protection and will be expected to be available starting in June 202

• The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including program staff, support services staff, UNHCR operations teams, government officials, community leaders, and camp management and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security teams. DRC is committed to gender equality and encourages female candidates and those from minority groups to apply.