International Medical Corps

JOB SUMMARY: The mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing the technical components of a comprehensive MHPSS project. International Medical Corps' approach to mental health is heavily based on training and developing the capacity of local partners and national staff; the successful candidate should therefore have experience in training, on the job supervision and mentoring, coordination and in building referral links to other formal service providers and informal community supports. The mental health specialist will train, supervise, coordinate and oversee a national team of mental health officers and a team of community outreach volunteers who will engage in outreach, follow-up and basic mental health and psychosocial support. The MHPSS specialist will closely work and coordinate with the project mental health and psychosocial coordinator (psychiatrist) who is tasked to oversee all MHPSS related activities including training and supervising general health care providers in mental health using mhGAP Intervention Guidelines

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation:

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively lead or participate in coordination mechanisms in the area (e.g. Health, general coordination, potential MHPSS coordination group) and advocate for principles of IASC MHPSS guidelines.
• Identify and train local mental health officers and refugee staff/volunteers in community outreach, mental health case management, follow-up and mental health promotion
• Provide training in the identification and non-pharmacological management of priority mental health condition to general health staff in line with WHO mhGAP Intervention Guidelines in coordination with project MHPSS coordinator (psychiatrist)
• Engage trained staff and volunteers in on the job mentoring and supervision
• Provide mental health and psychosocial support services along with health staff as needed
• Ensure completion and analysis of pre post knowledge tests and on the job supervision checklists.
• Support collection and reporting of mental health project data including HMIS reporting and patient outcomes (e.g. functioning, satisfaction with services)
• Provide training in other MHPSS topics as appropriate, depending on identified needs (e.g. key aspects of psychological first aid and relevant aspects of IASC guidelines) to IMC and staff from other agencies
• Implement social and recreational activities (e.g. youth friendly activities)
• Assist with the development of new proposals
• Assist with hiring of national staff as needed
• Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines and closely coordinate with IMC's Technical Unit Global Mental Health Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports.
• Represent IMC in MHPSS related meetings and coordination groups

Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically a 4-year University degree in related area. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate
• The qualified candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse)
• Typically, 5+ years' experience working on MHPSS programs, preferably in humanitarian settings
• Training and clinical supervision practice and experience required
• Knowledgeable in and experience following IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergencies and international best practices on the integration of MHPSS into primary health care settings
• Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of responses to pre-existing and emergency-induced MHPSS needs
• Training experience required; capacity and proven track record in national staff and partner training and capacity-building
• Strong organizational and supervisory skills
• Honest, hardworking and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments
• Strong written and communication skills
• Ability to work within a team structure or independently, flexible, and can cope with stressful workload
• An excellent command of verbal and written English