Psychosocial

Question 2

1. General Questions

Question 3

Why are you interested in working with Justice Centres Uganda as a Psychosocial Assistant?

Answer 3

I ak passionate about providing psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals and JCU’S mission align with my commitment to human rights, access to justice and mental health inclusion. My experience in working with refugees and vulnerable communities has equipped me with skills assessment, intervention kills

Question 4

What do you know about JCU and its mission?

Question 5

What experience do you have working with vulnerable communities?

Answer 5

I have worked with refugees during my internship providing basic psychosocial support to those in need, and I have also engaged with vulnerable communities through volunteering under rotaract club and church based outreach to Childress homes and supporting vulnerable mothers and the elderly

Question 6

How do your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this role?

Answer 6

I have knowledge in the provision on basic counselling and psychosocial support to those in need and I I’m knowledge in prevention sexual exploitation, abuse and Harassment in both the work place and towards beneficiaries.

Question 7

2. Technical and Role-Specific Questions

Question 8

What is psychosocial support

Answer 8

and why is it important in legal aid services?

Question 9

Can you describe a situation where you provided psychosocial support to someone in distress

Answer 9

During my internship i engaged a group of middle aged men in the problem management plus sessions, uring these sessions, I psychoeducated them on stress and how to cope with it. Together, we identified triggers of stress and brainstormed possible solutions to those problems , out of that group, one individual seemed to be struggling more than the others and so i referred jim to my supervisor a clinical psychologist for more specified care

Question 10

How would you assess the psychosocial needs of a client at JCU?

Answer 10

Carry out initial screening to collect info on biodata and initial state
Use a standard assessment tool to determine level of distress and level of social support
Observe/ note non-verbal cues
Understand case History through past trauma, family background and social support systems
Development of an Action Plan to provide either direct pfa or refer to my supervisor for referral to mental health services or legal team for appropriate intervention

Question 11

What steps would you take if you notice a case is evolving and requires a new action plan?

Answer 11

Reassess the situation through analysis of follow-ups
Modify action plan based on emerging needs
Refer to Relevant persons ie professional/ legal team
Inform client of changes and documents updates

Question 12

How would you ensure confidentiality and ethical practice while working with beneficiaries?

Question 13

What strategies would you use to support clients with disabilities or special needs?

Answer 13

Build rapport
Informed consent before bringing in 3rd parties
Engage in brief psychoeducation
Providing reasonable accommodation such as an interpreter

Question 14

What challenges do you anticipate in this role

Answer 14

and how

Question 16

1. Why are you interested in working with Justice Centres Uganda as a Psychosocial Assistant?

Question 17

Answer:

Question 18

I am passionate about providing psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals

Answer 18

especially in legal and humanitarian settings. Justice Centres Uganda (JCU) aligns with my commitment to human rights

Question 20

2. What do you know about JCU and its mission?

Question 21

Answer:

Question 22

Justice Centres Uganda (JCU) is a government program under the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS)

Answer 22

supervised by the judiciary. Its mission is to empower vulnerable communities through free legal aid services

Question 24

3. What is psychosocial support

Answer 24

and why is it important in legal aid services?

Question 25

Answer:

Question 26

Psychosocial support refers to interventions that address the emotional

Answer 26

social

Question 28

4. How would you assess the psychosocial needs of a client at JCU?

Question 29

Answer:

Question 30

Assessing a client's psychosocial needs involves:

Question 32

Initial Screening – Conducting an intake interview to understand their emotional

Answer 32

social

Question 33

Use of Standard Assessment Tools – Applying structured psychosocial assessment criteria to determine the level of distress and support required.

Question 34

Observations – Noting non-verbal cues such as body language

Answer 34

mood

Question 35

Case History – Understanding past trauma

Answer 35

family background

Question 36

Developing an Action Plan – Based on the assessment

Answer 36

I would either provide direct support

Question 37

5. How would you handle a distressed client who is unwilling to talk?

Question 38

Answer:

Question 39

When dealing with a distressed client who is unwilling to talk

Answer 39

I would:

Question 41

Create a Safe Space – Assure them that they are in a non-judgmental

Answer 41

confidential environment.

Question 42

Use Active Listening – Show empathy through body language and verbal encouragement.

Question 43

Avoid Pressure – Allow them time to open up at their own pace.

Question 44

Use Alternative Communication Methods – Such as writing or drawing

Answer 44

especially for trauma survivors.

Question 45

Engage in Psychoeducation – Explain how discussing their concerns can help them receive appropriate support.

Question 46

Offer Follow-Ups – If they remain unwilling

Answer 46

I would provide resources and invite them for another session when they feel ready.

Question 47

6. How would you ensure confidentiality and ethical practice while working with beneficiaries?

Question 48

Answer:

Question 49

Confidentiality and ethics are critical in psychosocial work. I would ensure:

Question 51

Strict adherence to JCU’s policies on confidentiality by not disclosing client information without consent.

Question 52

Secure storage of client files to prevent unauthorized access.

Question 53

Professional boundaries to avoid conflicts of interest.

Question 54

Informed consent before discussing cases with third parties

Answer 54

except when legally required (e.g.

Question 55

Respect for cultural diversity by providing non-discriminatory support.

Question 56

7. How would you handle a client reporting sexual exploitation within the organization?

Question 57

Answer:

Question 58

Listen Empathetically – Ensure the client feels heard and believed.

Question 59

Document the Complaint Confidentially – Record details professionally while maintaining their dignity.

Question 60

Follow JCU’s Reporting Protocol – Immediately inform my supervisor and refer the case to the appropriate department for action.

Question 61

Provide Psychosocial Support – Assist the survivor in coping with emotional distress.

Question 62

Ensure Non-Retaliation – Protect the client from any harm or discrimination resulting from the report.

Question 63

8. Describe a time you successfully helped a vulnerable individual.

Question 64

Answer:

Question 65

During my internship at a refugee settlement

Answer 65

I worked with an adolescent struggling with trauma and language barriers. They had difficulty integrating into school and communicating with their caregivers. I conducted psychoeducation sessions

Question 67

9. What steps would you take if you notice a case is evolving and requires a new action plan?

Question 68

Answer:

Question 69

Reassess the Client’s Situation – Conduct follow-ups to identify new challenges or progress.

Question 70

Modify the Action Plan – Adjust interventions based on emerging needs.

Question 71

Refer to Relevant Stakeholders – If needed

Answer 71

engage mental health professionals

Question 72

Inform the Client – Ensure they understand the changes and consent to the new plan.

Question 73

Document Updates – Keep detailed records of any modifications for accountability and continuity.

Question 74

10. What challenges do you anticipate in this role

Answer 74

and how would you handle them?

Question 75

Answer:

Question 76

Challenges:

Question 78

High emotional demands – Working with distressed clients can be overwhelming.

Question 79

Limited resources – Clients may require services beyond JCU’s capacity.

Question 80

Resistance to psychosocial support – Some clients may not recognize the need for assistance.

Question 81

Solutions:

Question 83

Self-care and supervision to manage emotional strain.

Question 84

Building strong referral networks to connect clients with external resources.

Question 85

Psychoeducation and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around seeking support.

Question 86

11. What experience do you have in writing reports and case documentation?

Question 87

Answer:

Question 88

I have experience in maintaining detailed client records

Answer 88

writing psychosocial assessments

Question 90

12. How would you contribute to JCU’s multidisciplinary team?

Question 91

Answer:

Question 92

I would:

Question 94

Collaborate with legal teams to ensure clients receive both legal and psychosocial support.

Question 95

Contribute to training programs for staff and community workers on mental health awareness.

Question 96

Support mediation efforts by addressing psychological aspects of conflict resolution.

Question 97

Participate in case discussions to provide insights on clients’ emotional well-being.

Question 98

13. How would you handle a language barrier with a client?

Question 99

Answer:

Question 100

Use an interpreter to ensure accurate communication.

Question 101

Utilize simple language and visual aids to improve understanding.

Question 102

Encourage a trusted community member (if culturally appropriate) to assist.

Question 103

Learn basic phrases in key local languages to foster rapport with clients.