MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) Officer at Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN PROJECT)

ABOUT THE JOB: 

The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing mental health and psychosocial support programs. This role involves providing direct support to individuals, developing strategies for community-based interventions, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective and comprehensive MHPSS services.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for the following, including those not listed but are extensions of those expressly stated:

• Identification and registration of psychosocial needs of beneficiaries based on the vulnerability criteria of the standard operating procedures.
• Actively promote the availability of counseling services and carry out, individual or group counseling (psychological first aid (PFA) and psychosocial support (PSS), basic psychoeducational sessions to children, adolescents, and caregivers/ families (when needed)
• Refer clients to other specialists or other institutions for further assistance, when necessary, in line with the available local referral pathways, to ensure an effective and efficient case management process.
• Take an active part in MHPSS-related training topics for case workers, PSS facilitators, community mobilizers, and community volunteers such as leaders and other stakeholders
• Hold regular meetings with case workers, PSS facilitators, and community mobilizers to discuss successes, challenges, and ways forward.
• Support caseworkers, PSS facilitators, and community mobilizers in emergency response and comprehensive case management issues relevant to the role.
• Actively engage the Survivors and caregiver(s) to participate in the case management process and share information appropriately in line with case management information management protocol
• Represent the organization in community meetings and MHPSS working groups.
•  In coordination with community mobilizers use participatory methods to adapt activities following the needs of the different target groups (children, women etc)
• Assist in the implementation of preventive MHPSS interventions at the community level.
• Document best practices, case studies, and learnings for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Prepare and submit weekly/monthly reports regularly. 

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and provide support to individuals in distress.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with data management and reporting tools.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred).
• Relevant certification or training in mental health and psychosocial support (e.g., MHPSS training, clinical counseling).
• Proven experience (at least 3 years) in providing mental health and psychosocial support, with a strong understanding of best practices and intervention strategies.

Our Safeguarding policy prevents physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect of any member of our community. The welfare of these individuals is paramount. All our communities without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or belief. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure safeguarding.