HI has been supporting the Afghan people since 1987, starting its operations in Pakistan. Since 1996, HI has been operating across Afghanistan in order to launch victim assistance interventions, working at different levels of the society and adopting a cross-sectoral approach. While present on the ground to directly support victims of the conflict through the provision of a range of services – from physical rehabilitation, to mine risk education and inclusive livelihoods – HI has been continuously advocating to increase the rights of victims and other people with disabilities in the country. In particular, and in line with its global strategy and priorities, HI has been advocating to reduce the use of landmines and conventional weapons. Acknowledging the need to respond to the urgent emergency crises combined with longer term, chronic gaps in the provision of services, HI has steadily expanded its range of activities and services in order to support the most vulnerable people, enhancing their resilience while strengthening participation and inclusion of all individuals.

Mission

Handicap International has been present in Afghanistan since the 1980’s, focusing on the support to the most vulnerable communities and, providing comprehensive services ranging from physical rehabilitation, to mine risk education and inclusive livelihoods, with a special focus on people with disabilities Besides Herat, HI is currently working in Kandahar, Kunduz, Nimroz and Kabul. And HI will start operation in Bamyan province also.

This role will be based within HI HealthTeams which is currently comprised of social workers, physiotherapists and psychosocial workers who provide rehabilitation and  psychosocial support services to individuals and communities this service is mainly provided in health facilities (static centres) and exceptionally through outreach teams.

GLOBALOBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION:

Under the supervision of the project manager and technical supervision of the MHPSS technical specialist, with strong functional links with  PSS workers and physiotherapists, the social workers ensure a clear mapping of the actors and the services existing in the province of intervention, and neighbouring provinces and the efficiency of  referral pathways between HI and the others health actors , including the follow-up of the patients/ beneficiaries.

The social worker ensures a coordination of care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and patient-centred (case management).

The Social Worker will:

• Support in the identification of those in need, according to the project identification criteria
• Work with individuals, families and groups to increase their awareness of HI services and refer those in need to relevant services
• Obtain a good overview of activities and services in the area covered, by establishing good links with the Shuras, the community in general and other local associations in the communities
• Provide a complete and clear mapping of services (here below mentioned) existing in the Provinces and areas of intervention
• Provide indirect response through referrals to stakeholders working in social, protection, psychosocial and health sectors or any other relevant sectors according to the needs of the beneficiaries (including close follow-up on the process and response) in close link with the PSS, The PT and the MRE workers
• Handle case assignments, draft service plans, review case progress and assist in determining case closure
• Help beneficiaries to achieve well-being and autonomy by  linking them with HI`s comprehensive rehab and MRE services.
• Ensure a communication flow with the different stakeholders Involved in service delivery to beneficiaries   i.e. community elders, local organizations, government hospitals etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS DESCRIPTION:

1. Community liaison
   • Liaise with local communities and community-based organisations (e.g. Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPD) to ensure clear communication with affected communities regarding targeting criteria and how to access assistance and give feedback.
   • Ensure community acceptance of the project through positive interactions and clear communication to beneficiaries and communities in the field.
   • Identification of target beneficiaries and group.
   • Support collaboration and coordination with external stakeholders such as community leaders, hospital /clinic authorities to enhance the service delivery and improve awareness on comprehensive rehabilitation.

2. ESTABLISH A CLEAR MAPPING OF EXISTING SERVICES
   • Contact and meet the different stakeholders and partners to develop clear understanding of their action and mandate
   • Under supervision of the PM support the mapping of services and service providers in target locations
   • Establish clear communications with the different partners and stakeholders which HI could refer cases to as required.

3. HANDLE CASE ASSIGNEMENTS PROPERLY
   • Under the supervision of the PTs and PSS workers complete and referral forms, when required, according to HI referral  criteria
   • Identify needs for referrals to other relevant stakeholders and monitor referrals  in coordination with the psychosocial workers, the physiotherapist and/or the project manager.
   • Acquire adequate levels of knowledge to correctly identify cases  that require immediate medical care or protection assistance and react immediately, taking appropriate steps to work in collaboration with the PT’s or PSS workers to ensure beneficiaries receive appropriate services.
   • Ensure that the beneficiaries referred to HI by other services/stakeholders are directed to and registered with appropriate HI services.
   • Ensure that the beneficiaries referred by HI are registered with the organisations they have been referred to.In collaboration with the PSS workers and PT’s, support  communication with referral organisations to follow up on cases referred by HI. 

4. DEVELOP PLANNING TOOLS AND REPORT ADEQUATELY

• Maintain complete awareness files for each group of participants
• Ensure gender and disability desegregated data of the participants is recorded

5. Self-driven continuous professional competencies and skills improvement. 
   • Demonstrate willingness to improve his/her own knowledge and skills by participating actively in any training sessions, capacity building activities delivered by HI staff.
   • Participate in the different activities that are common to all team members (identification of needs of beneficiaries, internal and/or external referrals)
   • Respect each team member’s positions, work, and specificity

6. Demonstrate an ethics and professional practice:

• • Show professional ethics, respect and promote Handicap International mandate
  • Among others, he/she respects beneficiary’s privacy and confidentiality (he/she only share medical information with medical staff/persons directly involved in beneficiary’s care)
  • Respect the Handicap International protection of children policy and protection of beneficiaries from sexual exploitation and abuse policyand report to your line manager any non-respect of HI’s policies amongst the teams or partners.
  • Report any incident or act that causes any harm to beneficiary or to others (protection concerns).
  • Always interact with children in the presence of their parents or caregivers
  • Always respect a refusal of service.

7. Team Work

• Participate in project team meetings, technical meetings and other project related activities.
• Contribute to the weekly planning activity planning in collaboration with the multidisciplinary teams under the oversight of the project manager.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a hygienic and clean environment in which project activities take place.
• Observes strict adherence to HI’s security and safety regulations and supports the dissemination of any information related to security and safety to relevant focal person.
• Any other additional tasks as assigned by the line manager

• Bachelor degree in social science/ related field.

• Demonstrated ability to identify and engage with communities including established community structures in order to raise awareness of community activities (community mobilization).
• 3 years’ experience of engaging in community activities
• Demonstrated ability to establish contacts and build relationships with partners and peer organizations. 
• Case management experience

Strong skills in and/or knowledge of the following:

• Strong understanding of the needs of conflict-affected communities and persons with injuries and disabilities
• Strong communication skills (good written and spoken Dari and Pashto).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with different audiences including patients, caregivers, hospital staff and other members of the community
• Strong active listening skills

Application Process:

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the following link into their web browser https://airtable.com/appFCDmCFkKWAeZ19/shrMymJTb8C32Nszt to submit their details and upload their required documents prior to the deadline (01-Apr-2024).

Important notes:

• Please note that only the applications received through the online platform will be considered for this position.
• It is important to note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.
• After the review process, please be aware that only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. If you do not hear from us, please consider that your application has not been selected for further consideration at this time.

- HI has got strong stand on protection of beneficiaries.

"The Social Worker will have to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the code of conduct"

HI promotes and upholds the principles of equal opportunities and its policies (PSEAH, Child Protection etc). HI has a zero tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or a child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. Recruitment to all jobs in HI includes, in particular, criminal
record checks and the collection of relevant references. Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do.

Individuals with disabilities and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly value the unique perspectives and contributions that you can bring to our team.