Social Worker, Temporary Accommodation Centre

Context:

As part of its support to the Government of Belgium, IOM assists with the establishment and management of accommodation centres for persons seeking international protection in Belgium. This support spans from the establishment of accommodation centres where needed to the day-to-day operations of the centre.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Centre Manager, the Social Worker will be, inter-alia, responsible for:

1. Conducting vulnerability assessments for migrants residing in the facilities, address protection needs and refer to competent agencies for specialized protection services;
2. Coordinating effectively protection activities with other protection partners, stakeholders and authorities;
3. Understanding and reporting to line manager specific protection needs of people residing in the facilities;
4. Coordinate with the reception and movements team, in case cultural mediation is needed as well as interpretation or translation to facilitate communication with beneficiaries;
5. Focusing on needs of vulnerable groups and refer cases for further treatment. Follow up on protection cases and ensure quality case management;
6. Ensure the update of the database;
7. Committing to maintaining a comprehensive and updated case file for each case undertaken. Inform and keep updates beneficiaries for the progress of their cases;
8. Ensuring confidentiality when handling personal information and data of migrants in compliance with IOM’s Data Principles;
9. Actively participating and promoting weekly meetings with case management actors to discuss case management and collect feedback about existing risks, challenges and gaps in service provision for protection cases;
10. Organize protection trainings to IOM staff;
11. Performing any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in Social Work preferable a bachelor’s degree or higher level from an accredited institution with two (2) years of related work experience;

OR

• University degree in Psychology will also be considered when candidate demonstrates work experience in the field.

Experience and skills

• Two years of related work experience preferably working with migrants;
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and stakeholders, working in international organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting;
• Demonstrated ability to draft and prepare clear and concise formal correspondence and project reports;
• Strong organizational, facilitation, communication, writing and presentations skills;
• Proficient in a Microsoft Office environment and office software packages. Knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems;
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and keep deadlines;
• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

Languages

Fluency in English and French/Dutch (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic, Pashto and/or Farsi is an advantage.