Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS Officer) at Save The Children

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Support MHPSS activities in CP programming

Provide support, in the MHPSS Programming which includes:

• Ensuring assistance is provided to children affected by the conflict in a  dignified, respectful, equitable, and inclusive manner that supports their resilience
• Assisting children in acute distress and alleviating their stress, for instance ensuring that all staff/partners are trained on PFA and feel confident to use it
• The mainstreaming of inter-agency guidelines (e.g. IASC MHPSS guidelines) and standards (e.g. CPMS) across the different sectors of program activities delivered by SC and its partners
• The use of structured and manualized MHPSS techniques
• The participation of parents and caregivers in MHPSS activities 
• Support structured MHPSS activities for groups of boys and girls of different age groups, with particular attention to survivors of SGBV, unaccompanied children, and other children who present with signs of poor mental health and distress
• Identify MHPSS service providers and agree on referral pathways for children with severe mental disorders

Proposed Outputs: 

• Individual counseling sessions with children and beneficiaries where required to discuss complex cases.  
• Be available on call/skype if any urgent matters arise that a staff would like to share regarding their casework or his/her personal well being
• Bi-monthly progress reports to the MHPSS Coordinator to highlight needs and gaps.
• Development of peer/reflective practices with teams
• Support current MHPSS practices, reflecting on a cross-sectoral approach.   
• Structured MHPSS activities for boys and girls, organized in age-appropriate groups with a clear methodology or curriculum to promote mental well-being. Such activities must align with donor commitments in already-funded projects. 

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modeling Save the Children’s values

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for him or herself and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development, and encourages their team to do the same.
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members, and external partners and supporters
• values diversity, and sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS  AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Minimum of BSc in Psychology, Psychiatric Nurse, and Medical social work.
• Minimum 2 years post NYSC cognate experience in a clinical setting, NGO, and INGO
• Experienced in Psychological First Aid, and other psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities
• Experience working in Child Protection programs, including those with MHPSS component
• Fluent in English and Hausa is desirable
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and discretion with confidential information
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

Desirable

• Experience in humanitarian emergencies and/or a refugee/displacement-setting