Psychosocial Counsellor

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Position Title: Psychosocial Counsellor
Location: Damascus
Country: Syria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 and is dedicated to providing assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. UNRWA employs approximately 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live.

Job Overview:
The Psychosocial Counsellor position is crucial for providing mental health support and psychosocial services to individuals and groups within the community. The incumbent will develop action plans tailored to the specific needs of their functional location and will coordinate these plans with UNRWA staff. The role involves providing guidance and counseling, conducting home visits, and collaborating with contracted NGOs to enhance community resources. The Psychosocial Counsellor will also be responsible for raising awareness about mental health and psychosocial well-being, particularly focusing on the optimal development of children and adolescents. In times of crisis, the counsellor will mobilize resources and coordinate quick intervention plans, ensuring that community needs are met effectively. Monthly reporting and other duties as assigned by the supervisor are also part of the role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive plan of action for the functional location and coordinate with UNRWA staff.
• Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups, including conducting home visits as necessary.
• Collaborate with contracted NGOs to enhance service delivery.
• Expand the network of community resources through coordination with psychosocial workers.
• Design and implement community awareness activities related to mental health and psychosocial well-being.
• Create crisis intervention plans and mobilize program counselors and community resources as needed.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports detailing activities and outcomes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, or a related field. A strong understanding of psychosocial counseling principles and practices is essential. The role requires a commitment to the UN core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, and a drive for results. Experience in crisis intervention and community engagement is highly valued.

Educational Background:
A university degree from an accredited educational institution in psychology, social work, or a related field is required. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for effective psychosocial counseling.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in psychosocial counseling is required. This experience should include direct work with individuals and groups, providing support and guidance in various contexts. Familiarity with community resources and the ability to coordinate with other service providers is also important.

Languages:
A good command of written and spoken Arabic and English is mandatory. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with clients and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a daily paid contract at Grade 10, with a daily basic salary of 27.12 USD. Candidates invited for a written test must submit their academic qualifications, employment certificates, and other required documents either before the test date or on the day of the test. Failure to provide these documents may result in disqualification. Candidates must also submit a statement of non-employment, as governmental or joint sector employees cannot be appointed to UNRWA posts. Successful candidates will need to provide a notification from GAPAR confirming their compliance with government authority requirements. The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Syria at the time of application are eligible. UNRWA is committed to gender parity and encourages applications from qualified women and individuals with disabilities.