Psycho-Social Support (PSS) Officer at Centre for Social Cohesion Peace and Empowerment (CENSCOPE)

Job Purpose

The PSS Officer will lead the planning and implementation of psychosocial support services as part of an integrated socio-economic reintegration project targeting children associated with armed groups (CAAG) and their caregivers. The role focuses on strengthening the mental well-being, resilience, and social cohesion of beneficiaries to support their safe and dignified reintegration into communities.

Key Responsibilities

Psychosocial Support Services

• Provide structured psychosocial support to children formerly associated with armed groups, ensuring age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and child-friendly approaches.
• Design and implement caregiver support sessions that incorporate stress management, positive parenting, and group therapy.
• Facilitate healing and reintegration processes through art therapy, play therapy, and resilience-building activities.

Individual and Group Support

• Conduct individual PSS assessments and develop individualized support plans for high-risk children and caregivers.
• Facilitate group PSS sessions focusing on grief, trauma, stigma reduction, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.
• Ensure referral pathways are active for specialized mental health support and protection services.

Community Reintegration and Social Cohesion

• Support children and their families to re-establish links with communities, traditional leaders, and community-based structures.
• Organise community dialogues and recreational events to promote acceptance and reintegration of children and families.
• Work closely with reintegration officers to align PSS activities with vocational training, education, and livelihood interventions.

Capacity Building

• Train project staff, volunteers, mentors, and peer supporters on basic PSS, Psychological First Aid (PFA), and child safeguarding.
• Provide regular technical support and supervision to community facilitators and caseworkers involved in direct child/caregiver support.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Track and document PSS progress, using tools aligned with MHPSS and child protection standards.
• Contribute to case studies, success stories, and donor reports.
• Monitor risk factors, stigma, and community feedback to improve programming.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counselling, mental health, or a related field. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in providing PSS to children and caregivers in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Strong experience in working with vulnerable children, especially those affected by conflict, violence, or displacement.
• Familiarity with reintegration approaches for children formerly associated with armed forces or groups (CAAFAG).
• Knowledge of MHPSS IASC guidelines, child safeguarding principles, and Do No Harm approaches.

Skills and Competencies

• Experience with trauma-informed care, child-friendly spaces, or case management.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to engage respectfully with affected populations.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to work under pressure in challenging environments.
• Fluency in English and local languages (e.g., Hausa, Kanuri) is highly desirable.