Site Social Worker, Temporary Accommodation Centres in Ghent

Context:

Ukrainian displaced persons arriving in Belgium can register themselves to receive temporary protection. Those who wish to do so may request accommodation. For Ukrainian displaced persons who need a place to stay, the Ghent municipality has identified IOM Belgium and Luxembourg as a partner to support the day-to-day operation of temporary accommodation centres. This would ensure effective functioning of safe places from which the affected population can further look for sustainable options, by integrating into the regular housing market and find income generating activities for the duration that temporary protection remains granted.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and direct supervision of the Site Coordinator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing direct assistance to beneficiaries and addressing their day-to-day needs at the Temporary Accommodation Centres for Ukrainian refugees in Ghent.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Function as a direct liaison between residents of the Center and medical, psychosocial and/or legal services;
• Remain available, accessible and approachable to ensure residents of the Center have a trusted resource person on site with whom to share any comments, concerns or recommendations;
• Assess residents’ needs, situations and challenges to identify potential solutions and goals in order to facilitate their integration;
• Research and refer residents to community resources;
• Advocate for and develop plans to improve residents’ well-being;
• Encourage and support whichever modality of site governance system as preferred by the residents to take place;
• Ensure at all times that the Accommodation Centres are safe protection environments and that appropriate referral pathways are respected in case of any harm caused to residents
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Classification: General Services, Ungraded Type of Appointment: Special Short-Term, 6 months, subject to funding confirmation, with possibility of extension Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor degree in Social Work from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience

OR

• High School degree with five years of relevant professional experience.

Experience and skills

• Experience in working with displaced persons and/or migrants;
• Experience in working with social service providers and networks focused on displaced and resettled persons, and migrants in Belgium;
• Sound and proven understanding of international standards, best practices, issues related to displacement and integration;
• Experience working in Ghent and wider region is an asset;
• Training or previous work experience on Mental Health and Psychosocial support for migrants is an asset;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.

Languages

Fluency in English and Dutch (oral and written). Working knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is an advantage.

Other Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration.