Psychosocial Flashcards
- General Questions
Why are you interested in working with Justice Centres Uganda as a Psychosocial Assistant?
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
What do you know about JCU and its mission?
What experience do you have working with vulnerable communities?
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
How do your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this role?
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.
- Technical and Role-Specific Questions
What is psychosocial support
and why is it important in legal aid services?
Can you describe a situation where you provided psychosocial support to someone in distress
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
How would you assess the psychosocial needs of a client at JCU?
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
What steps would you take if you notice a case is evolving and requires a new action plan?
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
How would you ensure confidentiality and ethical practice while working with beneficiaries?
What strategies would you use to support clients with disabilities or special needs?
Build rapport
Informed consent before bringing in 3rd parties
Engage in brief psychoeducation
Providing reasonable accommodation such as an interpreter
What challenges do you anticipate in this role
and how
- Why are you interested in working with Justice Centres Uganda as a Psychosocial Assistant?
Answer:
I am passionate about providing psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals
especially in legal and humanitarian settings. Justice Centres Uganda (JCU) aligns with my commitment to human rights
- What do you know about JCU and its mission?
Answer:
Justice Centres Uganda (JCU) is a government program under the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS)
supervised by the judiciary. Its mission is to empower vulnerable communities through free legal aid services
- What is psychosocial support
and why is it important in legal aid services?
Answer:
Psychosocial support refers to interventions that address the emotional
social
- How would you assess the psychosocial needs of a client at JCU?
Answer:
Assessing a client’s psychosocial needs involves:
Initial Screening – Conducting an intake interview to understand their emotional
social
Use of Standard Assessment Tools – Applying structured psychosocial assessment criteria to determine the level of distress and support required.
Observations – Noting non-verbal cues such as body language
mood
Case History – Understanding past trauma
family background
Developing an Action Plan – Based on the assessment
I would either provide direct support
- How would you handle a distressed client who is unwilling to talk?
Answer:
When dealing with a distressed client who is unwilling to talk
I would:
Create a Safe Space – Assure them that they are in a non-judgmental
confidential environment.
Use Active Listening – Show empathy through body language and verbal encouragement.
Avoid Pressure – Allow them time to open up at their own pace.
Use Alternative Communication Methods – Such as writing or drawing
especially for trauma survivors.
Engage in Psychoeducation – Explain how discussing their concerns can help them receive appropriate support.
Offer Follow-Ups – If they remain unwilling
I would provide resources and invite them for another session when they feel ready.
- How would you ensure confidentiality and ethical practice while working with beneficiaries?
Answer:
Confidentiality and ethics are critical in psychosocial work. I would ensure:
Strict adherence to JCU’s policies on confidentiality by not disclosing client information without consent.
Secure storage of client files to prevent unauthorized access.
Professional boundaries to avoid conflicts of interest.
Informed consent before discussing cases with third parties
except when legally required (e.g.
Respect for cultural diversity by providing non-discriminatory support.
- How would you handle a client reporting sexual exploitation within the organization?
Answer:
Listen Empathetically – Ensure the client feels heard and believed.
Document the Complaint Confidentially – Record details professionally while maintaining their dignity.
Follow JCU’s Reporting Protocol – Immediately inform my supervisor and refer the case to the appropriate department for action.
Provide Psychosocial Support – Assist the survivor in coping with emotional distress.
Ensure Non-Retaliation – Protect the client from any harm or discrimination resulting from the report.
- Describe a time you successfully helped a vulnerable individual.
Answer:
During my internship at a refugee settlement
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
- What steps would you take if you notice a case is evolving and requires a new action plan?
Answer:
Reassess the Client’s Situation – Conduct follow-ups to identify new challenges or progress.
Modify the Action Plan – Adjust interventions based on emerging needs.
Refer to Relevant Stakeholders – If needed
engage mental health professionals
Inform the Client – Ensure they understand the changes and consent to the new plan.
Document Updates – Keep detailed records of any modifications for accountability and continuity.
- What challenges do you anticipate in this role
and how would you handle them?
Answer:
Challenges:
High emotional demands – Working with distressed clients can be overwhelming.
Limited resources – Clients may require services beyond JCU’s capacity.
Resistance to psychosocial support – Some clients may not recognize the need for assistance.
Solutions:
Self-care and supervision to manage emotional strain.
Building strong referral networks to connect clients with external resources.
Psychoeducation and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around seeking support.
- What experience do you have in writing reports and case documentation?
Answer:
I have experience in maintaining detailed client records
writing psychosocial assessments
- How would you contribute to JCU’s multidisciplinary team?
Answer:
I would:
Collaborate with legal teams to ensure clients receive both legal and psychosocial support.
Contribute to training programs for staff and community workers on mental health awareness.
Support mediation efforts by addressing psychological aspects of conflict resolution.
Participate in case discussions to provide insights on clients’ emotional well-being.
- How would you handle a language barrier with a client?
Answer:
Use an interpreter to ensure accurate communication.
Utilize simple language and visual aids to improve understanding.
Encourage a trusted community member (if culturally appropriate) to assist.
Learn basic phrases in key local languages to foster rapport with clients.
