Humanity and Inclusion (former Handicap International) is an independent and impartial aid organization working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our actions and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs and improving their living conditions. HI is a non-governmental, non-religious, non-political, and non-profit making organization.

HI in Ethiopia, has been working in Tigray providing rehabilitation services in IDP camps and in health facilities within Shire and Sheraro.

The HI Social Worker is based in Shire and is working under the supervision of the Project Manager for Tigray. The HI Project Teams, composed of Social workers and Physiotherapists, address the urgent need for functional and physical rehabilitation and social support for most vulnerable persons.

She/he will act as HI focal point in the community to identify the persons with disabilities and specific needs, assess their needs, refer them to HI Physiotherapists and to other external complementary services, provide advice and support, follow up the success of the referrals in close link with partners, adjust the services mapping of all the existing services in the area, and guarantee the report and data management of HI beneficiaries.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Identification and assessing the specific needs of HI beneficiaries

• Actively seek and identify individuals in need of HI services in the community, within the scope of HI activities and according to beneficiary guidelines.

• Develop and reinforce the relationships with stakeholders including INGOs and community focal points, to improve the beneficiary identification system.

• Work as a team with HI Physiotherapists to identify, record and analyze beneficiary’s specific needs (physiotherapy, health, shelter, food, psychosocial support) within the community.

• Complete a full general assessment taking into account social and environmental factors in cooperation with the beneficiary’s caregivers and/or family members wherever possible.

2.     Refer the beneficiary to HI Physiotherapist and to other services as required including medical care facilities, MHPSS facilities, partners, local and international organizations, and other specialized services:

• Once the beneficiaries and their family are identified, inform them about the possible services, collect their consent, and refer them to the existing services providers validated by HI for referrals (all sectors).

• Identify “Red flags” or cases requiring immediate medical attention and refer them to the appropriate services.

• Follow HI procedures in the provision of referral letters for beneficiaries and follow-up of referrals with the services providers.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date knowledge of all services available for referrals (medical, non-medical, and activities of other organizations) in the area of intervention.

3.        To provide safe and appropriate Psychosocial services

• Adapt the intervention to the beneficiary’s specific needs, taking into account the scope of the project interventions, and ensure Informed consent has been received by the beneficiary prior to giving any PSS sessions, consultations, or referrals.

• Maintain the safety and confidentiality of the beneficiary at all times during and after sessions.

4.     Actively participate in data reporting, follow-up, and management of beneficiary cases and organization of activities:

·         Ensure accurate qualitative and quantitative follow-up of beneficiaries according to the project planning. Ensure all relevant data and documentation is completed.

·         Effective use of the assessment and data reporting tools including Assessment Forms and referrals– all in the required electronic / paper format.

·         Contribute to the daily and weekly work plans, with the support of PM.

·         Actively complete any other reports to be made upon line manager request.

·         Actively follow up on all referrals made and report appropriately according to project requirements.

·         Actively participate in the implementation of referral mechanisms and follow-up.

5.     To demonstrate an ethical and professional practice at all times:

·         Respect and ensure beneficiary confidentiality and safety. Ensure timely reporting of any incidents or acts that cause any harm to the beneficiary or to others.

·         Respect and promote HI’s Policies on Child Protection and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and report to the line manager any disrespect of HI’s policies amongst the teams or partners.

·         Always ask beneficiaries’ permission prior to beginning any session.

·         Behave respectfully with regard to the culture and religious backgrounds of beneficiaries and always respect a refusal of intervention.

6.      To demonstrate a willingness to improve professional competencies and continuously improve the quality of social services provided through HI:

·         Participate willingly and actively in training sessions and capacity-building activities organized by HI.

·         Respect each team member’s positions, work, and specialty.

The Social Worker will work very closely with HI physiotherapists on the field, to offer a comprehensive service.

Main Internal Interfaces1.      Project Managers2.      Technical Officers3.      Physiotherapists4.      Support service staff in Tigray/AAMain External Interfaces1.    HI beneficiaries2.    HI partners 

Line manager: Project Manager

Team Managed: No staff supervision

Job Requirements

Knowledge required

Education- BA Degree in Social Work, Psychology, and relevant health or social sciences

Essential

 Experiences within the community activities.

•  Ability to establish contacts and working relationships with partners and organizations.

• Good communication skills

• Strong comprehension of the needs of conflict-affected communities and persons with injuries and disabilities

•Strong skills in community mobilization.

• Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and humanitarian principles

Desirable:

•  Experience in hospital settings is an asset

• Experience with INGO, UN, Red Cross, and working in a cross-cultural setting

•  Familiar with MS Office (Word, Excel) and the internet

Skills required

Essential

• Good written & spoken in Tigrigna, Amharic, and English is an asset

• Ability to work within a team and collaborate

•  Ability to work with diverse beneficiaries

•  Strong interpersonal, communication skills and active listening skills

•  Able to work both independently and in a multicultural team environment

•  Able to work under pressure and in an unstable environment

• Willing to learn and develop professionally

Desirable

•  Open and interested in disability issues

•  Capable of goodwill and humanity behaviors

•  Good organization skills

•  Abilities to properly communicate with families/caretakers

•  Adheres to HI values

• Ability to work under high pressure

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should fill in the attached application form 

 Job application form updated (1).docx  and submit it with a 1-page motivation letter through recruitment@ethiopia.hi.org  email

Please clearly state the position you apply for in the subject of your email, otherwise it will be rejected automatically. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for exam/interview no phone calls, please.

We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting child protection and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position involves working with beneficiaries and is subject to strict safer recruitment checks. The successful candidate will be required to complete a police check and sign a self-declaration form to help us verify your suitability to work with children including checks with past employers.

Humanity & Inclusion is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes women and persons with disability.