MHPSS Officer

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian aid organisation that works to bring assistance to people in danger, victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Established in 1992 with support from the Italian Federation of Trade Unions, its actions are based on the values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all people and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable and the unprotected.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs; it adheres to international codes of conduct for humanitarian organisations and the values and principles expressed within those codes. INTERSOS is recognised by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the principal UN agencies; it is privileged to hold an advisory status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
INTERSOS is an independent association which, through its own humanitarian operators, intervenes to effectively answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. It maintains a flexible operating structure. The head office in Italy coordinates, supports and monitors the planned activities in the countries of intervention carried out by decentralised offices.

Job Title     : MHPSS Officer (Mental Health Psychosocial Support Officer)

Reports to      : Project Activity Manager/Technical supervisor: MHPSS specialist

Duty Station   : North & Akkar governorates

Position Type  : Full-Time

Job Purpose:

Lead, manage and coordinate the INTERSOS MHPSS Program in designated areas in North and Akkar under the supervision of the INTERSOS Project activity manager and in strong coordination with the partner sub-office (UNHCR) and INTERSOS MHPSS specialist. Guarantee the correct and efficient implementation of the project activities and the overall supervision of the MHPSS team.

Provide technical support and guidance to the social workers and psychologists, and support INTERSOS staff to improve the quality of specialized services provided to individuals at risk in the different offices, safe spaces and field level.

Ensure management and supervision of all the operational aspects of the community development center (CDC) including security, logistics and admin.

The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for guaranteeing high quality and timely MHPSS interventions. S/He will

i.          Respect and apply the MHPSS strategy developed at mission level

ii.         Train/re-train staff engaged in PSS activities,

iii.         Mentor the team on a daily basis at field level,

iv.         Follow-up the proper implementation of the MHPSS interventions,

v.         Draft and deliver a capacity building plan for MHPSS and other Protection staff, in close coordination with the MHPSS specialist

vi.         Ensure integration of MHPSS in CP Case Management

vii.        Support the MHPSS specialist in developing MHPSS resources and tools for INTERSOS

Generic Duties:

1. Supervise, manage and monitor the team of social workers and psychologists at North and Akkar governorates

2. Assess the needs of the targeted beneficiaries in North and Akkar and design, in collaboration with the staff, a package of PSS activities for the beneficiaries of INTERSOS CDC and areas of interventions;

3. Support INTERSOS staff to improve the quality of specialized services provided (specialized psychological services, group PSS, and individual counseling).

4. Monitor the activities (awareness, PSS and support groups), within the CDC and outside, and provide management advice in order to improve the activities implementation;

5. Report to the Project activity Manager any problems and/or training needs identified during the monitoring of the implementation of psychological activities.

6. Follow in an accurate way the weekly schedule shared with the Project activity Manager and produce monthly reports; 

7. Inform the Project activity Manager about any difficulty met in INTERSOS activities implementation;

8. Be available to train on psychological support, MHPSS and Psychological First Aid for INTERSOS staff when requested;

9. Collaborate with INTERSOS staff in conducting any other trainings when requested by the Project activity Manager.

10. Be available to participate in meetings in INTERSOS offices or other identified premises.

11. Provide a weekly and monthly report on the activities conducted.

12. Undertake regular field monitoring visits and provide support tools to monitor quality of programme implementation

13. Support the project activity manager in developing and implementing a Staff Care System for all staff, in close coordination with the MHPSS specialist.

14. Ensure a regular delivery of training for the social workers and psychologist

15. Ensure cohesion and harmonization of MHPSS related activities and services (including individual and group counselling, emotional support groups, awareness-raising and community outreach/engagement components) according to INTERSOS mission strategy

16. Provide leadership, guidance and monitoring to INTERSOS Psychologists, establishing standard process and procedures for beneficiary support in close collaboration with the MHPSS specialist

17. Provide technical support to the psychologists for individual cases affected by crisis, GBV survivors, child protection cases, etc.

18. Accomplish any other assignments given by the supervisor and/or the MHPSS specialist

Other specific duties:

(Can be adapted to the particularities of the job location and the requirement of the project. This section shall be revised whenever a new employee is hired).

1. Manage and supervise all the operational aspects of the CDC including security, logistics and admin;

2. Maintain smooth communication and coordination between the CDC teams and the management;

3. Liaise with local stakeholders, service providers, local government bodies and other community services centers for strengthening joint planning and synergies for community participation in line with INTERSOS strategy;

4. Collect and submit on a monthly basis to the logistic the request of needs of the CDC and material for the implementation of activities;

5. Collect and submit on a monthly basis to the HR the staff attendance and forms;

6. Oversee and ensure implementation of CDC activities and report violations on time.

Education:

- Master Degree in Clinical or Adjustment Psychology.

Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Professional Competencies:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in a clinical setting and with at least 1 NGO
• Understanding and commitment to child’s rights and protection
• Experience providing individual counseling services
• Experience in team management
• MS proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Analytical and reporting skills
• Driving license

Behavioral competencies:

• High confidentiality and respect
• Cultural awareness
• High degree of adaptability and flexibility; Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Teamwork
• Planning and Organizing
• Initiative
• Problem solving and decision making
• Strategic vision
• Leadership: developing and motivating staffs
• Driving and achieving results
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values
• Respect of Intersos policies and procedures