Case Worker (MHPSS / GBV) – Female -Pending Agreement Approval

Job brief

ASO is seeking a Case Worker to provide case management for people at risk across its protection projects in Tal Afar District, mainly survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and people in need of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Under the supervision of the Protection Officer, the Case Worker identifies and assesses cases, develops and follows up case action plans, provides psychosocial support, and refers people safely to ASO services and other providers, applying a survivor-centred approach and strict confidentiality. The Case Worker may be assigned to any ASO protection project or activity according to operational needs. The responsibilities below are indicative and not exhaustive.

Responsibilities

A. Case management (GBV and MHPSS)

•     Receive and identify cases through outreach, community structures, ASO teams and referrals from other organisations.

•     Conduct safe and confidential intake and assessments of needs, risks and safety, with the person’s informed consent.

•     Develop case action plans and safety plans together with the person, and follow them up through regular sessions and home visits.

•     Provide basic psychosocial support, psychological first aid (PFA) and emotional support, and facilitate individual or group PSS activities where appropriate.

•     Apply the survivor-centred approach and GBV guiding principles: safety, confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and the person’s right to make their own decisions.

•     Identify high-risk and urgent cases (including risk of harm to self or others) and report them immediately to the Protection Officer, following ASO procedures.

•     Close cases appropriately once goals are met or the person no longer needs support, and conduct follow-up where needed.

•     Provide or arrange cash or in-kind support to cases when available and approved, according to ASO procedures.

B. Referrals

•     Refer cases safely and with consent to ASO services (legal aid, civil documentation, PSS, community activities) and to external providers (health, mental health, shelter, livelihoods and others).

•     Accompany cases to services when needed and approved, and follow up on every referral until a response is received.

•     Receive referrals from other ASO projects, community structures and partners, and give feedback to the referring party within the limits of consent and confidentiality.

•     Keep an up-to-date service map and referral pathway for the area, and take part in updating them with partners.

C. Documentation and data protection

•     Keep complete, accurate and confidential case files (consent, intake, assessment, action plan, referral, follow-up and closure forms) using ASO case management tools.

•     Store case files securely (locked cabinets and password-protected files) and share case information only on a need-to-know basis and with consent.

•     Enter anonymised data into ASO databases and report case figures to the Protection Officer regularly, without any identifying information.

•     Prepare weekly reports and other reports as requested.

D. Awareness and coordination

•     Deliver awareness sessions on GBV, mental health, available services and referral pathways, and support community activities as assigned.

•     Work across ASO projects and coordinate with colleagues to avoid duplication and ensure people receive the services they need.

•     Attend case conferences, supervision meetings and relevant coordination meetings (e.g. GBV and MHPSS working groups) when delegated.

•     Record working time according to the project(s) worked on, as instructed by management.

E. Safeguarding and staff care

•     Comply with the ASO Code of Conduct, Safeguarding / PSEA Policy and Data Protection Policy, and report any concern through the official channels.

•     Follow mandatory reporting rules and ASO procedures for cases involving children, always in the best interest of the child.

•     Inform people about ASO’s complaints and feedback mechanism.

•     Take part in regular supervision and staff-care activities to manage stress and prevent burnout.

F. Other duties

•     Participate in trainings and coaching on case management, MHPSS, GBV and related SOPs.

•     Support other ASO projects and activities when requested, including covering for colleagues.

•     Perform any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the Protection Officer or ASO management. This TOR may be updated according to project and organisational needs.

Experience and competencies

•     At least 2 years of experience in case management, GBV or MHPSS services.

•     Good knowledge of the survivor-centred approach, GBV guiding principles, psychological first aid and safe referral.

•     Training in GBV case management, MHPSS or PFA is strongly preferred.

•     Ability to handle sensitive information with full confidentiality and to discuss sensitive issues with empathy and without judgement.

•     Good listening, communication and problem-solving skills; emotional stability and ability to work under pressure.

•     Ability to keep accurate, well-organised case files and reports.

•     Willingness to do field work and home visits, and to work overtime when needed.

•     Basic computer skills (Word, Excel); experience with KoBo or case management databases is an asset.

•     Willingness to work with and support people from different ethnic and religious groups.

•     Knowledge of the Tal Afar District context and of local services is an asset.

Education

•     Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology or a relevant field; additional training in case management, GBV or MHPSS is an asset.

Languages

•     Arabic: fluent, spoken and written (required).

•     English: basic to good level is an asset.

•     Kurdish and/or Turkmen: an asset.