Psychosocial Support (PSS) Assistant at Future Resilience and Development Foundation (FRAD)

• The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Assistant will support the delivery of quality, community-based psychosocial support services to affected populations in Gwoza, Ngala and Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Under the supervision of the Protection Officer, the position aims to contribute to improved mental wellbeing, coping capacities, and resilience of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities through individual and group PSS activities, referrals, community engagement, and accurate documentation, in line with organizational standards and humanitarian guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation & Coordination

·    Support the implementation of planned psychosocial support activities in line with project objectives, and work plans.

• Facilitate individual and group based psychosocial support sessions for participants, including IDPs, returnees, and host community members.
• Assist in community mobilization and sensitization to ensure inclusive participation in PSS activities, working closely with community leaders, volunteers, and focal persons.
• Identify individuals experiencing psychosocial distress and provide basic psychosocial support and Psychological First Aid (PFA) as appropriate, with timely referrals to specialized services.
• Coordinate with other program sectors and service providers to ensure integrated service delivery and effective referral pathways.
• Participate in field planning, coordination meetings, and activity scheduling to support smooth implementation in dynamic and insecure environments.
• Provide regular updates to the PSS Officer/Counsellor on activity progress, challenges, and emerging psychosocial needs within the target LGAs.

Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation

• Support routine monitoring of psychosocial support activities to ensure quality, effectiveness, and compliance with project objectives and MHPSS standards.
• Accurately complete and maintain all required PSS documentation, including attendance registers, session reports, case notes, referral forms, and activity tracking tools.
• Ensure timely submission of daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Collect basic monitoring data and community feedback to support program learning, adaptation, and accountability to affected populations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and safe storage of beneficiary information.
• Support data verification, field monitoring visits, and assessments conducted by supervisors, MEAL staff, or donors when required.
• Promptly report protection concerns, safeguarding issues, or critical incidents.
• Support MEAL teams during baseline, midline, and endline assessments.
• Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage and maintain a strong relationship with community leaders, religious and traditional structures to support acceptance, participation, and ownership of psychosocial support activities.
• Work closely with community volunteers, facilitators, and focal persons to support outreach, mobilization, and delivery of PSS services.
• Coordinate with partner organizations, UN agencies, and local NGOs to support referrals, information sharing, and avoid duplication of services.
• Liaise with relevant government authorities and local structures at LGA and community levels in line with humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
• Participate in coordination meetings, community forums, and information-sharing platforms to strengthen collaboration and improve service delivery.

Training & Capacity Building

• Participate actively in induction, refresher trainings, and capacity-building sessions related to psychosocial support, Psychological First Aid (PFA), safeguarding, and protection principles.
• Apply knowledge and skills gained from trainings to day-to-day PSS activities under the guidance and supervision of the Protection Officer.
• Support basic orientation and on-the-job capacity building of community volunteers and focal persons involved in PSS service delivery.
• Contribute to peer learning by sharing experiences, challenges, and good practices during team meetings, debriefings, and supervision sessions.
• Engage in staff care, self-care, and stress management activities.

Logistics & Operational Support

• Support logistical arrangements for psychosocial support activities, including preparation of activity sites, materials, and coordination of transportation in line with security protocols.
• Ensure proper use, accountability, and safe storage of PSS materials, equipment, and supplies provided for field activities.
• Assist in planning and coordinating field movements, considering security, accessibility, and community schedules.
• Report logistical needs, challenges, and gaps promptly to supervisors to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures related to safety, security, asset management, and operational conduct while in the field.

• Ensure proper documentation of all distributions and activity attendance.
• Support procurement processes in line with FRAD and donor guidelines.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Community Development, or a related field.
• Experience in psychosocial support, community-based programming, or humanitarian work, preferably in conflict affected or displacement contexts.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations such as IDPs, returnees, women, children, and survivors of conflict-related trauma.
• Basic knowledge of psychosocial support principles, PFA principles, referral pathways, and protection standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Fluency in Hausa, English and Kanuri (Added Advantage).

Desirable

• Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Community Development, or a related field.
• Additional professional training or certification in MHPSS, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Child Protection, or Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response.
• 2-3 years of hands-on experience providing psychosocial support in humanitarian, conflict-affected, or displacement settings.
• Experience coordinating or supporting community-based PSS programs and working with volunteers or community focal points.
• Strong understanding of psychosocial support principles, protection standards, and referral pathways.
• Fluency in English and local languages such as Hausa or Kanuri; knowledge of other local dialects is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver culturally sensitive and trauma-informed support in diverse communities.

Key Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and Emotional Maturity
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Resilience and Stress Management
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability
• Confidentiality and Professional Ethics
• Organization and Attention to Detail
• Commitment to FRAD’s values, safeguarding, and accountability standards