Social Advisor for Asylum Seekers – Pournara Reception Center

About the role

The Cyprus Refugee Council seeks a motivated Social Advisor to support asylum seekers at the Pournara First Reception Center in Kokkinotrimithia. Working full‑time, the advisor will join a multi‑agency vulnerability assessment team and help residents access their rights and services.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct vulnerability and needs assessments together with UNHCR, the Asylum Service and EUAA staff.
• Identify and assist individuals with specific needs such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, unaccompanied children, single parents, and survivors of torture, trafficking or gender‑based violence.
• Provide counseling and guidance on employment, welfare, health care, training and language courses.
• Support centre management and operations to improve service delivery and organise capacity‑building activities for staff.
• Mobilise residents to participate in communal activities that build resilience.
• Facilitate the transition of residents out of the centre through one‑on‑one and group sessions.
• Liaise with authorities, EU agencies and NGOs to coordinate assistance.
• Ensure inclusive participation of all genders, ages, nationalities and abilities in protection and educational programmes.

Required profile

• University degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Counseling or a related field.
• Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers or vulnerable populations is preferred.
• Strong understanding of national, European and international protection frameworks.

Required skills

• Counselling and crisis‑intervention techniques.
• Conflict‑management and capacity‑building experience.