Community Social Worker

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the worlds largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If youre a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic wellbeing, education, and power. Given the disparity faced by women and girls, IRC seeks to narrow gender inequalities and ensure social inclusion of all vulnerable groups in broader policies, processes and actions affecting their lives. The IRC has been working in Ukraine since March 2022, initially supporting emergency response and early recovery interventions for IDPs affected by the conflict.

This position will be based in Odesa office, with daily work in Kherson oblast.

JOB SUMMARY:
Community Social Worker will identify social protection issues inside designated communities and address them to IRC protection teams, provide comprehensive psycho-social support to individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions and their families. Through work in MHPSS Mobile Unit, will assess beneficiary vulnerabilities, develop tailored case management strategies, and conduct regular home visits. Additionally, responsibilities include facilitating social assistance, documentation, employment opportunities, and engaging communities in psychosocial group activities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Visiting communities in the predefined area to identify specific protection issues, as well as conducting necessary needs assessments.
Provide holistic psychosocial support to individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions and their families.
Work collaboratively within the MHPSS Mobile Team to assess the specific vulnerabilities of beneficiaries and develop tailored case management strategies accordingly.
Conduct regular home visits to ensure continuous monitoring of the physical and mental well-being of identified cases and their families.
Support individuals regarding documentation, social assistance, hygiene packages, and potentially facilitating employment opportunities.
Collaborate closely with IRC’s protection team to ensure comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals.
Engage local communities in PSS group activities to foster the inclusion of vulnerable individuals.
Organize additional PSS activities for caregivers and service providers to prevent burnout.
Refer cases of individuals in need of other types of support inside and outside IRC and follow-up when needed
Support in procurement and delivery of additional medical aids and equipment according to the needs of vulnerable individuals.
Ensure reporting of attendance per activity and ensure that the data collected is accurate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelors degree in Social Work or relevant field.
A minimum of two years of prior experience, particularly in social protection, community engagement, and PSS.
Strong understanding of protection and case management principles and practices.
Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required, and basic knowledge in English is desirable.
Proficiency in IT skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is essential for tasks such as data collection, mapping updates, and providing detailed weekly reports on outreach activities.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

REPORTING LINES
Position reports to Senior Health Officer.
Position Techically reports to Protection and Rule of Law (PRoL) Manager.
Closely collaborate with Other members of MHPSS Mobile Unit (Psychologist, Nurse, Psychiatrist and Pharmacist), Protection team and local partner organization.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The International Rescue Committee is determined to protect the people it serves and staff from all kinds of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. It is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe. IRC builds diverse and inclusive teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

IRC workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces its safeguarding policies to protect adult and child clients from any form of exploitation and abuse, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and its staff from sexual harassment and violence.

Where misconduct is alleged, IRC follows a Zero tolerance approach and takes all necessary actions and corrective measures. IRC investigation unit comprises of experts and trained investigators that ensures professional survivor-centered investigations are conducted if allegations of safeguarding violations are reported through the safe and accessible reporting channels that IRC makes available to its staff, partners, and clients.

These commitments are set out in IRC’s Safeguarding Policies, accessible in English and in Ukrainian language via this link: https://rescue.box.com/v/irc-safeguarding-policies

IRC is an active member of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) set-up in Ukraine.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.