VAWG Psychological First Aid Assistant at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Job Overview / Summary

• The VAWG Psychological First Aid Assistant will provide frontline psychosocial support through Psychological Firs Aid to women and girls affected by distress, crisis, or violence.
• The role will prioritize early identification of needs and strong linkage to health services, including primary healthcare centers, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, nutrition services, and WASH-related health services.
• The Assistant will also lead structured psychosocial support activities at Comprehensive Women Centers (CWCs), ensuring that all interventions promote well-being and facilitate access to integrated health services.

Major Responsibilities
Psychological First Aid and Health-Linked Psychosocial Support:

• Provide Psychological First Aid to women and girls in distress, ensuring safe, confidential, and respectful support.
• Identify individuals requiring health-related support, including mental health, reproductive health, and general medical care.
• Deliver basic psychosocial support sessions that promote emotional well-being and encourage positive health-seeking behavior.
• Facilitate structured PSS activities at CWCs, ensuring sessions incorporate messaging on health, hygiene, and well-being.

Referrals and Linkages to Health Services:

• Identify and refer clients to appropriate health facilities and services, including:
  • Primary healthcare centers
  • Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services
  • Nutrition services
  • Sexual and reproductive health services
• Support clients in accessing health services, including providing information, guidance, and follow-up.
• Conduct referral follow-ups to ensure clients receive timely and appropriate care.
• Maintain updated knowledge of health service providers, facility locations, and referral pathways.

Community Engagement and Health Awareness:

• Conduct awareness sessions on:
  • Psychosocial well-being
  • Available health services
  • GBV and available services
  • Importance of early health-seeking behavior
• Promote health/GBV education messages related to hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.
• Engage community structures to strengthen trust in health services and improve service uptake.

Basic GBV Support with Health Integration:

• Provide basic survivor-centered support to GBV survivors and ensure safe and confidential referral to health facilities for clinical management.
• Share information on available GBV and health services, including where and how to seek help.
• Ensure all interactions uphold confidentiality, safety, respect, and non-discrimination.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of PFA support, referrals, and activities.
• Track and document referrals to health services and service uptake.
• Support reporting in line with IRC and donor requirements.

Key Working Relationships:

• Reports to: WPE Senior Case Management Officer
• Directly Supervises: Community Incentive Workers (as assigned)
• Indirect Reporting: Senior Manager – Safety Outcome
• Internal: Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection sectors
• External: Health facilities, service providers, community structures, partners

Job Requirements
Education

• Diploma or University Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, or related field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in PFA, psychosocial support, or health-related programming in humanitarian settings.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic psychosocial support.
• Knowledge of health systems, referral pathways, and service linkages.
• Ability to support clients in accessing health services and facilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong facilitation skills for group psychosocial sessions.
• Ability to work under pressure and coordinate multiple tasks.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Hausa required.
• Knowledge of Kanuri or other local languages is an added advantage.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).