PSS Animator (SEL & Community-Based Psychosocial Support)

Project Description:

The project “QALAM: Building Bridges to Safe, Inclusive, and Quality Education” aims to contribute to the qualitative improvement and inclusive modernization of the education sector in Lebanon, following the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), with a specific focus on the most vulnerable areas of the governorates of Nabatieh and South Lebanon. It aims to enhance school learning environments to ensure safety and inclusiveness for school-aged boys and girls, teachers, parents, and caregivers, improving learning outcomes, school retention, and the socioemotional well-being of students, as well as strengthening the capacities of teachers in the areas of digitalization, inclusive education, first aid, and emergency response.

The project will directly benefit school-aged children and youth enrolled in seven public schools across Nabatieh and South Lebanon governorates. Children and youth (grades1-12) from seven schools will engage in structured recreational, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), sports, arts, and robotics activities that promote well-being, inclusion, and school engagement. All children and youth in the seven schools will benefit from academic retention support in Arabic, English, Mathematics, and ICT aimed at improving learning outcomes and reducing dropout risks. Additionally, approximately 918 children (grades 1-6) will participate in social-emotional learning (SEL) and psychosocial support (PSS) activities, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

The project also supports grade 12 students through intensive exam preparation, life skills training, and career counseling, facilitating their successful transition to higher education and future employment. In parallel, teachers and school staff will receive professional development in digital learning, inclusive education, social-emotional learning, and emergency preparedness, strengthening both teaching quality and the overall safety and inclusiveness of the school environment. Parents and caregivers will be involved through reactivated parents’ committees and community initiatives in all targeted schools, contributing to improved school-community collaboration and student retention.

Job Purpose: The PSS Animator is responsible for designing and facilitating structured SEL and community-based psychosocial support activities for children enrolled in the QALAM project. The role focuses on:

• Strengthening children’s resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills
• Supporting safe and inclusive learning spaces
• Coordinating closely with the Social Worker and Education Assistant
• Contributing to retention, engagement, and wellbeing outcomes

The PSS Animator will be school-based and will work across targeted schools in coordination with the project team.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

Task 1 – Implementation of SEL & PSS Activities:

• Design and implement structured SEL sessions based on the project’s monthly plan.
• Facilitate community-based, non-focused PSS activities for children (Grades 1–6).
• Use child-centered, participatory methodologies such as: Active learning, Learning-by-doing, Storytelling, Arts & creative expression, Group games and role-play and Puppet theatre and drama. 
• Establish clear session routines: Opening & emotional check-in, Icebreakers, Main activity, Reflection circle, and Closure. 
• Ensure sessions promote: Emotional awareness, Cooperation and peer support, Conflict resolution, Inclusion and gender sensitivity and Positive discipline. 

Task 2 – Coordination with Project Team:

• Develop monthly activity plans in coordination with: Social Worker, Education Assistant and Field Coordinator. 
• Coordinate closely for: Case identification, Referral activation, Adaptation of sessions based on emerging needs.
• Participate in weekly coordination meetings.
•  Contribute to collective problem-solving in case of contextual or security challenges.

Task 3 – Case Identification & Referral Support:

• Observe children during sessions and identify signs of distress or vulnerability.
• Coordinate with the Social Worker for activation of internal and external referral pathways.
• Ensure proper documentation of concerns while respecting confidentiality.
• Follow internal Child Protection protocols strictly.

Task 4 – Community Engagement & Awareness:

• Support awareness sessions on: Children’s rights, Safety and protection, Social inclusion, Gender equality, Emotional wellbeing.
• Support parents’ committee activities when required.
• Contribute to school-based community events promoting inclusion and resilience.

Task 5 – Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Maintain daily attendance records for all sessions.
• Contribute to indicator tracking.
• Support basic pre/post assessment tools for SEL outcomes.
• Document: Session reports, Success stories, Challenges and Photos (as per donor visibility rules)
• Submit weekly reports to the Field and Project Coordinators.
• Contribute to bimonthly narrative reporting.

Task 6 – Child Protection & Safeguarding:

• Fully adhere to: Amel’s Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy, PSEA policies.
• Maintain a child-centered and Do No Harm approach.
• Immediately report safeguarding concerns within 24 hours according to internal protocols.

Task 7 – Quality Standards:

• Apply international best practices in SEL and PSS.
• Ensure sessions are: Structured, Safe, Inclusive, Gender-sensitive and Conflict-sensitive. 

• Participate in capacity-building sessions organized under R3 when required.

Reports to: Field Coordinator &/or Project Coordinator

Working conditions:

Part-time (average 15–18 weekly hours), Includes Fridays/Saturdays depending on activity schedule

School-based in Nabatieh and/or South Lebanon

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or related field.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in psychosocial support, Child Protection, Education in humanitarian or NGO settings.
• Strong understanding of: Child development, SEL frameworks, Community-based PSS approaches, and referral mechanisms
• Strong facilitation and classroom management skills.
• Ability to work in volatile and sensitive contexts (South & Nabatieh).
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English