Specialist, MHPSS - mhGAP at International Medical Corps

JOB SUMMARY  

• Provide assessment and treatment of priority mental, neurological, and substance use conditions as per WHO mhGAP Program and according to IMC principles and protocols, in close collaboration with other MHPSS care providers. The MHPSS - mhGAP Specialist will collaborate with other healthcare professionals and humanitarian actors to ensure the delivery of comprehensive and integrated MHPSS interventions.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct assessment, identification and treatment for individuals with common mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) conditions, according to mhGAP guidelines, in line with nationally and locally defined professional standards and work within humanitarian guidelines and principles
• Develop patient focused treatment plans based on the assessment findings and in consultation with the affected individuals. 
• Provide evidence-based interventions, including psychosocial support and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records of all consultations and interventions conducted
• Work regularly at duty sites to serve the beneficiaries during clinic opening hours
• Participate in regular case management team meetings for interdisciplinary care of patients.
• Accept referrals from the case management team, from other NGOs, and from IMC’s primary health care doctors. 
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, nurses, midwives and community health workers, to ensure integrated care for patients with mental health needs.
• Deliver psychoeducation sessions to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote coping strategies within the community
• Participate in capacity-building activities, including training sessions and workshops, to enhance the skills of local staff and volunteers in providing MHPSS support.
• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to mental health services and promote stigma reduction.
• Attend monthly MHPSS meeting managed by the MHPSS Coordinator, Manager or Psychiatrist. 
• Facilitate the smooth operations of the mental health clinic by providing appropriate technical and administrative support to the team.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of MHPSS interventions and contribute to the ongoing improvement of services based on feedback and data analysis.

Reporting

• Report directly on all tasks and responsibilities to direct supervisor
• Keep a daily record of all patients seen using specific IMC documentation methods.
• Keep a record of medications prescribed
• Provide a weekly report of number of cases seen and diagnosis by age and gender as well as a source of referral using spreadsheets and collection tools provided
• Keep a record of attendance and compile reports for any training provided.
• Adherence to ethical principles and professional standards, e.g. maintain confidentiality of all clients, in the delivery of mental health services to individuals, families and communities and maintain a personal living standard that serves as a positive role model.
• 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.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possesses qualifications as a health care provider, e.g., physician; nurse; midwife 
• Has qualified certification on mhGAP training program and achieved necessary competency standards
• Previous experience working in humanitarian or emergency settings, with knowledge of the unique challenges and dynamics of such contexts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Must have excellent self-motivation skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to adapt to changing priorities and demands in stressful/ unstable and low resources environments.  Extremely flexible, and have the ability to cope with stressful situations and frustrations
• Ability to relate to and work collaboratively with colleagues effectively
• Ability to write reports, and complete necessary documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Knowledge of IASC Guidelines for MHPSS in Emergencies 
• Knowledge of community based psychosocial support 
• Language Skills: very good English skills; proficiency in additional languages relevant to the humanitarian context