Job Title: Psychosocial Support Officer

Position Type: Full-time

Duty Station: Nairobi

Reporting to: Programs Manager

Application Deadline: 16th September 2024

Join Wangu Kanja Foundation as a Psychosocial Officer

Are you committed to making a difference in the lives of survivors of sexual violence (SV) and their families? Do you have the skills and experience to provide compassionate and effective psychosocial support? If so, Wangu Kanja Foundation (WKF) invites you to apply for the role of Psychosocial Support Officer.

About Wangu Kanja Foundation

Wangu Kanja Foundation (WKF) is an experienced, survivor-led feminist non-profit national organization founded in 2005. The organization is domiciled in Nairobi, Kenya, but has footprints in all 47 counties in Kenya. Ms. Wangu Kanja, an experienced Human Rights Champion with 18 years of experience in gender and development, founded the organization. The organization focuses on addressing sexual violence, focusing on prevention, protection, and response. At the core of WKF’s work is addressing the needs of survivors of sexual violence in Kenya and beyond by engaging in holistic interventions to restore their dignity and that of their families and friends.

Position Overview

As a Psychosocial Support Officer at WKF, you will play a vital role in providing psychosocial support to survivors of sexual violence. This position involves conducting thorough assessments to understand the emotional, social, and mental health needs of survivors. You will provide individual and group counseling to help survivors process their experiences, manage trauma, stressors and develop coping strategies. Additionally, you will offer crisis intervention and emotional support to those in distress, prioritizing their safety and well-being.

In this role, you will develop and lead workshops, support groups, and skill-building sessions focused on self-care, resilience, and empowerment. You will also provide survivors with essential information, referrals, and practical support related to legal, medical, and shelter services. Collaboration with legal, healthcare, and social work professionals is crucial to ensure a holistic approach to supporting survivors. Maintaining accurate and confidential records of client interactions, assessments, progress notes, and referrals in compliance with ethical guidelines and data protection regulations is key.

Your work will extend into the community through outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness of SV, reducing stigma, and promoting available psychosocial support. You will advocate for survivor-centered and trauma informed approaches in SV prevention and response, ensuring that psychosocial support is integrated into broader services and policies. Building partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders will be essential in enhancing access to comprehensive psychosocial support.

Furthermore, you will play a key role in capacity building and training. This will involve providing training and mentorship to staff, members of the survivors of sexual violence in Kenya Network, volunteers, community members and service providers involved in supporting survivors. You will facilitate sessions on trauma-informed care, psychosocial support techniques, and related topics for SV professionals. Additionally, you will develop and distribute educational materials to enhance the capacity of service providers and increase awareness of psychosocial issues related to SV.

Qualifications & Experience

To be considered for this role, you should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related field, with professional certification or licensure being a plus. You should also have 3-5 years of experience in psychosocial support, counseling, mental health services, particularly with survivors of sexual violence and community engagement towards addressing trauma. A strong understanding of trauma-informed care, counseling techniques, and psychosocial interventions for SV survivors is essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to build trust with survivors from diverse backgrounds. You should be able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and engage with community stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

You must demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, data protection and survivor autonomy. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends, is necessary. Fluency in Kiswahili is required, and you should be willing to travel within the region as needed.

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to careers@wangukanjafoundation.org by 16th September 2024. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of survivors and their communities.