Protection Assistant – Psychosocial Support (PSS)

About the role

The Protection Assistant – PSS will implement psychosocial support activities in Debark, Ethiopia. Working under the supervision of the Protection team leader, the role focuses on non‑specialized individual and group counselling, trauma‑healing sessions, capacity‑building trainings and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Key responsibilities

• Support delivery of structured and non‑structured PSS activities for children, adolescents, women, men and caregivers.
• Facilitate group sessions such as life‑skills, peer‑support groups, child‑friendly space activities and community‑based PSS sessions.
• Provide basic individual psychosocial support in line with PSS principles.
• Plan and organise awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms and positive parenting.
• Organise community dialogues, psycho‑education and sensitisation on stress, trauma and coping mechanisms.
• Deliver capacity‑building training for community leaders on Psychological First Aid and basic psychosocial support.
• Identify individuals showing signs of distress, deliver Psychological First Aid and refer them to specialised MHPSS providers.
• Ensure safe, confidential referrals to health, protection, legal and other relevant services.
• Maintain confidentiality and apply survivor‑centred approaches at all times.
• Collaborate closely with community leaders, local authorities and partners to strengthen PSS interventions.

Required profile

• Qualified Protection Assistant – PSS.
• Experience working with children, youths, adults, persons with disabilities and survivors of violence.
• Ability to identify individuals in need of non‑specialised psychosocial support.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and survivor‑centred approaches.
• Willingness to work under the technical supervision of the Protection team leader and contribute to broader protection activities.

Required skills