Protection Assistant – Psychosocial Support (PSS)

About the role

The Danish Refugee Council is seeking a Protection Assistant specialized in Psychosocial Support (PSS) to join its team in Sanja, Ethiopia. Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the assistant will deliver community‑based and individual psychosocial activities aimed at enhancing the safety, dignity, and well‑being of vulnerable populations.

Key responsibilities

• Support the delivery of structured and non‑structured PSS activities for children, adolescents, women, men, and caregivers.
• Facilitate group sessions such as life‑skills workshops, peer support groups, child‑friendly space activities, and community‑based PSS sessions.
• Provide basic individual psychosocial support in line with PSS principles and conduct awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms, and positive parenting.
• Organise community dialogues, psycho‑education sessions and sensitisation on trauma and coping strategies.
• Identify individuals showing signs of distress, deliver Psychological First Aid (PFA) and refer them to specialised MHPSS services.
• Maintain confidential, survivor‑centred case handling and ensure safe referrals to health, protection, legal, and other relevant services.
• Collaborate with community leaders, volunteers and partners to build capacity on PFA and basic psychosocial support.

Required profile

• Qualified candidate with experience in humanitarian protection or psychosocial support.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children, youth, adults, persons with disabilities and survivors of violence.
• Strong understanding of PFA, basic psychosocial support principles and referral pathways.
• Commitment to confidentiality, survivor‑centred approaches and inclusion of vulnerable groups.
• Ability to work collaboratively with local communities, authorities and partner organisations.

Required skills