Protection Project Case Manager/Social Worker

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title:         Protection Project Case Manager/Social Worker

Project:                        Protection/GBV Project
Duty Station:               Arsi zone, Merti, Seru and Shirka woreda
Reports to:                  Protection/Project Manager
Contract Type:            Full-time
Duration:                     One year with possibility of extension

Required Number:      Three (3)

1. Job Purpose

The Protection Project Case Manager/Social Worker is responsible for providing confidential, survivor-centered, rights-based and non-discriminatory case management and psychosocial support services to women, girls, children and other vulnerable persons affected by protection risks, including gender-based violence (GBV).

The position will ensure that individuals at risk or experiencing protection concerns receive timely identification, assessment, safety planning, referrals, follow-up and access to appropriate specialized services. The Case Manager/Social Worker will also contribute to strengthening community-based protection mechanisms and referral pathways in accordance with organizational policies, national legislation and relevant humanitarian protection standards.

1. Key Responsibilities

A. Protection Case Management

• Identify individuals requiring protection assistance through safe and confidential channels.
• Conduct comprehensive and confidential needs and risk assessments.
• Develop individualized case action plans in consultation with clients/survivors.
• Provide appropriate case management services, including information, emotional support, safety planning, referrals and follow-up.
• Regularly review case action plans and ensure that services respond to changing needs and risks.
• Support clients to make informed decisions and exercise their rights throughout the case management process.
• Ensure safe and appropriate case closure in accordance with case management procedures.

B. GBV and Survivor-Centered Support

• Provide survivor-centered support to women and girls affected by GBV while maintaining confidentiality, dignity, safety and informed consent.
• Provide psychological first-line support and basic psychosocial support within the scope of professional competence.
• Identify protection risks and immediate safety concerns and develop appropriate safety plans.
• Facilitate referrals to health, MHPSS, legal, shelter, child protection and other specialized services based on the survivor's needs and consent.
• Ensure that all interventions follow the principles of do no harm, confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination and survivor autonomy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and immediately report serious protection concerns in accordance with organizational procedures.

C. Referral and Coordination

• Establish and maintain updated referral pathways with relevant health, protection, legal, MHPSS and social services.
• Coordinate with service providers to facilitate timely and safe access to appropriate services.
• Follow up on referrals, where appropriate and with consent, to promote continuity of care.
• Participate in protection coordination, case management and referral meetings as assigned.
• Maintain up-to-date information on available services and eligibility requirements.

D. Community-Based Protection

• Support community-based protection structures, women and youth groups, community leaders and other relevant actors to identify and respond to protection risks.
• Conduct awareness-raising sessions on protection, GBV prevention and response, available services and referral mechanisms.
• Promote safe and accessible reporting and referral mechanisms.
• Strengthen community understanding of protection rights and available support services.
• Identify protection trends, barriers to services and emerging risks and communicate them through appropriate channels without disclosing personally identifiable information.

E. Documentation and Case Information Management

• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records in accordance with organizational case management procedures.
• Ensure secure handling, storage and sharing of sensitive case information.
• Collect and document case information only when necessary and with appropriate consent.
• Prepare timely and accurate case management reports using anonymized and aggregated information.
• Ensure that personal information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals or organizations.

1. Safeguarding and Accountability

The Case Manager/Social Worker must:

• Comply with the organization's Code of Conduct, Safeguarding, PSEA, Child Safeguarding and Protection policies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and protect the privacy and dignity of clients.
• Never engage in sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment or any form of discrimination.
• Ensure that assistance is provided based on need and without discrimination.
• Inform clients of their rights, available services and complaint/feedback mechanisms.
• Report safeguarding concerns through established organizational channels.