PSS Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established with a mission to provide essential services and support, RI employs over 7,000 staff and local volunteers who operate in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming, which are crucial for fostering community resilience. RI operates as an alliance of four organizations—Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe—working under a unified leadership team to ensure effective and coordinated efforts in their humanitarian missions.

Job Overview:
The PSS Assistant will play a vital role in the development and monitoring of psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (PSS) activities and services in the Northwest Syria (NWS) area. This position involves assisting in the implementation of various program activities, including group and individual sessions, psychoeducation, and outreach sessions. The PSS Assistant will work under the technical guidance of the Protection Technical Specialist and will report administratively to the Protection Officer. The role requires a proactive approach to support the mental health and well-being of beneficiaries, ensuring that PSS activities are effectively delivered and tailored to meet the needs of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PSS Assistant will be responsible for facilitating group PSS counseling sessions within Primary Health Care (PHC) centers and Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) and Outreach Support Centers (OSC). This includes ensuring that all facilities and equipment are operational and ready for use. The assistant will also support the collection of data and statistics related to daily PSS activities, providing the Protection Officer with monthly reports on the number of beneficiaries receiving services. Additionally, the PSS Assistant will organize and maintain equipment for remote psychosocial support sessions, assist in individual sessions during technical disruptions, and conduct intake and post-session assessments for all beneficiaries. Participation in team meetings to discuss high-risk cases while maintaining confidentiality is essential. The assistant will also engage in training sessions led by the Protection Technical Specialist and support the distribution of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to encourage beneficiary participation. The role includes planning and delivering culturally appropriate PSS activities for children, youth, and adults, with a focus on women and girls, and raising awareness about available mental health and psychosocial support services in the area. Regular communication with other departments, particularly social workers and protection staff, is necessary to ensure comprehensive support for beneficiaries. The PSS Assistant will also assist in identifying new opportunities to address unmet needs and ensure compliance with RI's operational standards and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the PSS Assistant position should possess a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social work, psychology, law, or a related field, along with a minimum of one year of experience in managing adult group activities. Proven experience in planning and facilitating psychosocial support activities is essential. Familiarity with the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings is required, as well as knowledge and skills related to women's rights, child protection, and community resilience. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to identify gaps in PSS services to inform appropriate responses. Excellent time management and interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, and respect for colleagues, are crucial. The candidate must be capable of working independently and as part of a team, effectively managing multiple tasks under strict deadlines, and demonstrating critical and creative thinking abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and familiarity with statistical analysis software such as SPSS is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the PSS Assistant position includes a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, legal studies, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of psychosocial support and the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in emergency settings.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience in running and managing adult group activities, particularly in the context of psychosocial support. Experience working with at-risk populations, including women, girls, and children, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to facilitate group activities and provide support in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

Languages:
Fluent Arabic communication skills, both oral and written, are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of English, particularly in oral and written forms, is desirable but not required. Proficiency in Arabic is crucial for effective communication with beneficiaries and team members.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require working in a challenging environment. The closing date for applications is May 26, 2026, but candidates are encouraged to apply early as the position may be filled before the deadline. Relief International is committed to safeguarding all individuals encountered through its work and adheres to core humanitarian principles. All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct. Recruitment for this role includes a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may encompass police and qualifications verification.