MHPSS Officerr - Afar

JOB SUMMARY

  This position is a professional position within International Medical Corps (IMC) Ethiopia. The MHPSS Counselor will work under the direction and support of the Senior Mental Health Officer/Senior Emergency Health Response Officer. The position holder’s primary responsibilities include providing oversight of the psychosocial components of the mental health and psychosocial program, MH case consultations, mentoring and supervising mhGAP-HIG trained health workers at assigned intervention area and provide PSS services including counselling services at assigned location. 

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

o   ·         Conduct MH case consultations in collaboration with other MHNT staff

·         Provide PSS services to the people in need including GBV survivals, woman and girls at risk

·         Train and supervise government and MHNT health care providers on basic MH concepts including mhGAP-HIG

·         Work with other MHNT team and government health workers to support integration of mental health and psychosocial support into general health care

·         Provide psychosocial support services linked to general health care centers

·         Support and collaborate with Senior Mental Health Officer/Senior Emergency Health Response Officer the facilitation of the mhGAP-HIG training and supervision for primary health care staff.

·         Select, provide training and supervision for HEWs and community volunteers on basic MH concepts and referral pathways.

·         Develop culturally appropriate psychosocial activities, including social support activities targeting IDPs or affected host communities.  These include, but are not limited to training in psychological first aid, designing holistic recreational, vocational and social activities; development of material for awareness campaigns.

·         Serve as the primary point of contact between IMC and local partners involved in psychosocial activities and MH case consultations.

·         Provide culturally appropriate counselling services to people with mental health conditions or experiencing psychosocial challenges in accordance with professional ethics and best practices.

·         Strengthen community-facility referral system for IDPs or affected host communities with MHPSS needs.

·         Work in line with IASC guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support and promote guidelines where appropriate.

·         Coordinate/ensure activities implementation with relevant Government Authorities, International and National Organizations, including standardized reporting practices.

·         Organize and lead workshop for mental health club students to promote mental health in the school and create supportive environment for students with mental health conditions

·         Organize and lead workshop for key community representatives, care and support group members, and model families to promote mental health in the community

·         Work closely with other MHNT to ensure coordinated activities implementation

·         Develop and provide culturally appropriate community based mental health care services

·         Develop and organize consultation workshop with the indigenous healers, religious leaders, and refugee representatives

·         Collaborate with informal service providers such as natural healers to facilitate information sharing and referral of mental health cases

·         Collaborate with community and existing institutional structures to ensure protection of those suffering mental health conditions

·         Represent IMC in different coordination meetings when necessary

·         Compile information and prepare written reports as necessary

·         Organize public awareness and de-stigmatization campaigns around mental health issues on a periodic base involving the people of concern

·         Work collaboratively with other agencies, local and international and with relevant government bodies

·         Implement other activities as per the direction and guidance from immediate supervisor

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.