Social Workers -5 Required

1.Introduction:

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is an indigenous, non-governmental, non-profit, secular, and legally registered Ethiopian Civil Society Organization (Registration No. 2330). PAD is committed to promoting a just, compassionate, and inclusive society where all people can thrive. Guided by the values of optimism, integrity, kindness, excellence, and impactful action, PAD works to provide effective humanitarian and development support to communities in need.

PAD is currently seeking qualified and motivated individuals for the following position(s)

Position: Social Workers

Number required: 5 (Five) (1 per each woreda)

Duty Station: Setit Humera, Kafta Humera, Dansha, Wolkait, and Maitsberi

Employment Type: Contract

Job Summary

The Social Worker is a community-based position responsible for identifying and supporting conflict-affected individuals, including GBV survivors and persons with psychosocial distress, within the project’s target areas. The role combines direct case management support with active participation in community-level social cohesion activities. Using a survivor-centered approach, the Social Worker provides Psychological First Aid (PFA), facilitates safe referrals, and contributes to peacebuilding and dialogue initiatives. The Social Worker is a trusted frontline actor who ensures that all interventions are delivered in a confidential, respectful, and non-discriminatory manner and reports directly to the Protection Officer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Outreach, Case Identification, and Basic Support

• Conduct regular and culturally appropriate community outreach to identify GBV survivors, vulnerable individuals experiencing distress, and persons at risk of protection violations.
• Provide immediate, non-clinical psychosocial support, including Psychological First Aid (PFA), active listening, and emotional accompaniment.
• Conduct initial needs assessments for safety, health, legal, and psychosocial support, and collaborate with clients to develop basic action plans.
• Facilitate safe, confidential, and informed referrals to medical, legal, protection, and other services using established referral pathways; accompany survivors to service providers when safe and requested.

2. Community Engagement and Social Cohesion

• Lead and facilitate community-based awareness sessions on GBV, positive coping, accessible services, and conflict prevention, ensuring integration of social cohesion messages.
• Support the revitalisation and functioning of traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms and community peace forums, promoting inclusive participation.
• Engage youth, women’s groups, and community leaders in dialogues and collaborative activities that build trust and strengthen social bonds.
• Organise and support social and cultural events in rehabilitated shared spaces to foster community healing and peaceful coexistence.
• Serve as a channel for community feedback on services and peace processes, relaying concerns to the Protection Officer.

3. Reporting and Coordination

• Maintain confidential, organised, and accurate case files, including intake forms, case notes, and referral tracking records, in line with data protection protocols.
• Submit timely daily/weekly activity reports to the Protection Officer, including quantitative data on outreach, identified cases, referrals, and community activities.
• Actively participate in weekly case management meetings, supervision sessions, and training provided by the Protection Officer to enhance knowledge and quality of service.

4. Competencies

Core Competencies

• Trustworthiness and Empathy: Proven ability to build immediate trust with vulnerable individuals and survivors.
• Commitment to Confidentiality: Absolute dedication to safeguarding client information and ensuring physical and emotional safety.
• Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of local context, conflict dynamics, cultural norms, and existing community support structures.
• Resilience: Ability to manage personal stress when exposed to sensitive and difficult material, seeking support appropriately.

Technical Competencies

• Case Management and PFA: Trained in basic case management principles and capable of delivering PFA in line with global standards.
• Referral Knowledge: Familiarity with local health, protection, and social service providers and ability to activate referral pathways.
• Community Mobilization: Strong facilitation skills for group sessions, dialogue meetings, and awareness campaigns.
• Record Keeping: Proficiency in maintaining clear, confidential case notes and aggregate reports.

5. Additional Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Minimum Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 2-5 years of experience as a Community Social Worker, Case Worker, or Community Mobilizer in peacebuilding, protection, or GBV projects; experience in conflict-affected settings is an advantage.
• Local Residency: Must be a trusted member of the target community, with established rapport with residents, leaders, and local structures.
• Language: Fluency in the relevant local language(s) is mandatory; basic working proficiency in English is desirable for reporting purposes.
• Training: Prior training or certification in PFA, GBV Guiding Principles, and/or Basic Case Management is highly desirable.

Desirable Attributes

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while remaining accountable.
• Strong advocacy skills at the community level.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in insecure or hard-to-reach locations.