POSITION:                                       Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer

REPORTS TO:                                  MHNT Team Leader

DUTY STATION:                             Gudetu Kondala Woreda, West Wollega Zone, Oromia Region.

PROGRAM:                                     Integrated multi-sectoral response (Health, Nutrition, and Protection) to support conflict affected IDP Returnees in Gudetu Kondala Woreda, West Wollega Zone, Oromia Region.

MINIMUM HOURS

OF WORK:                                      40 Hours per Week

SUPERVISEES:                                None

PROGRAM BACKGOUND:

Project HOPE Ethiopia has secured funding from Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF) to implement Integrated multi-sectoral response (Health, Nutrition, and Protection) to support conflict affected IDP Returnees in Gudetu Kondala Woreda, West Wollega Zone, Oromia Region. This project, jointly implemented with Fayyaa Integrated Development Organization (FIDO), will provide integrated life-saving emergency and essential Primary Health Care (PHC), Nutrition, and Protection services to conflict affected returnees. It will also restore relevant service delivery systems through static and outreach/mobile modality, facility rehabilitation and strengthening capacity of targeted sectors.

The core interventions of this humanitarian response project are to delivery of vaccination services, Sexual and Reproductive (SRH) services, treatment of sick children and adults, outbreak disease control including Cholera, Malaria and Measles case management, improved provision of maternal and newborn health, mental health services to returnees; prevention and treatment of acute malnutrition together with Maternal and Infant & Young Feeding in Emergencies (MIYCF-E) counselling for improved practices. Moreover, the project will deliver protection services to vulnerable groups of returnees and supports protection systems. The project will also enhance community engagement, establish accountability systems and also rehabilitate damaged health infrastructure to benefit both the returnees and the broader community.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support officer- MHNT is responsible for and delivery of specialized services that support the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of IDP returnees and other communities in the assigned Woreda that meet the expected technical standards. She/he will mainly be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of clinical, community and social services responding to the needs of mental health and PSS services to vulnerable community members through conduct of community outreaches, screening and diagnostic services and treatment and follow up of cases as necessary.

The position holder will work closely with medical teams in mobile clinics, HCWs in supported HFs & community members and gatekeepers to improve the mental health wellbeing and psychosocial conditions of affected communities, supporting the mobile health team by providing guidance and capacity building for the implementation of quality psychosocial care and mental health activities and assisting the community volunteers in the identification of clients among target communities who are in need of specific psychological counselling and ensuring individual or group support for identified beneficiaries

She/he will be responsible for the daily implementation of mental health services as part of the Mobile health services package as per the standard, supporting health facilities assigned. S/he will also be responsible for day-to-day documentation of individuals reached with the MH/PSS program and accordingly compile weekly and monthly reports and share with MHNT team leader and Woreda health offices.

 SPECIFIC RESPONSIBIITES:

Specific responsibilities of the MHPSS Officer include but are not limited to:

 Technical

• Plan, organize and implement quality MH care and PSS services to IDPs returnees and host communities in outreach, community, and HF settings.

• Continuously assess community’s mental health and PSS needs to develop plans to improve Assess the affected community psychological condition by using psychological tools to detect the vulnerable cases and ensure psychological follow up.

• Conduct identification of vulnerable groups and GBV cases for MH/PSS service delivery through screening of GBV and provide clinical services and linkage to PSS.

• Identify existing potential mental health referral facilities and other relevant service providers for management of mental health disorders, create links with similar organizations and partners working on MHPSS.

• Organize and facilitate individual and group psychosocial and recreational activities with the GBV/rape survivors and other beneficiaries to create awareness about MH and psychological needs and develop positive coping mechanisms, self-care and community care practices and promote positive self-esteem among affected groups.

• Provide mental health screening and diagnostic services and treatment and follow up of cases with mental illness as necessary.

• Ensure all work with clients is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.

• Conduct regular awareness raising session with target communities within Health Facilities/during mobile clinic session.

• Participate in needs assessments as needed.

• Actively participate in regular supervision meetings on MHPSS with consultation with team leader.

• Coordinate with the mobile team/Health Facility to identify and provide them regular trainings on Mental Health & Psych-Social Support (MHPSS).

• Participate in the interpretation of the analyzed data on trends and the preparation of reports on MHPSS activities.

• Support the community volunteers and HEWs to identify individuals with MHPSS needs and vulnerabilities and to properly refer them.

• Strengthening of linkages and coordination mechanisms between HP and HCs and designated referral Hospitals for mental health services delivery

• Always ensure ethical conduct and patient safety through delivery of standard services that promote family and social support with strict confidentiality.

• Train and support the HCWs and HEWs in supported HFs and other service providers on and screening provision and coordination of quality mental health and PSS services in a manner that helps to sustainably improve local capacity.

• Record and submit timely MHPSS data to team leader.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Recording of patient data, data collection and management including maintenance of HMIS data.

• Submit weekly, monthly and quarterly report to team leader.

• Prepare weekly and monthly indicators report for the assigned service areas.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Performs any other related duties that may be assigned by immediate supervisor or Senior Management Team (SMT).

Disclaimer: This job description summarizes the responsibilities assigned to the position; however, it does not contain an all-inclusive list.

Key Working Relationships

Internal- reporting to

·       Team Leader-MHNT

External

·       Work with woreda Health Office experts and Health facilities

Job Requirements

• BSc/BA in psychiatric nursing or clinical psychology

• Minimum of 3 years work experience working as a psychiatric/mental health clinical professional managing Mental health disorder, as a therapist and/or a counsellor preferably with IDPs and conflict affected communities.

• Experience of community engagement and mentorship and health facility support

• NGO and humanitarian experience is an advantage.

• Available within short period of time

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

•  Essential – Excellent knowledge of English and Affaan Oromo, both written and spoken

• A working knowledge of local language will be an asset.

• Experience on organizing and facilitating workshops and trainings.

• Familiar with standards and guidelines for GBV prevention and response programming and coordination activities.

• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity

• Ability to work under pressure, and with limited supervision.

• Excellent communication skills- verbal and written skills.

• Self-motivated, transparent, highly responsible, and punctual.

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as to work autonomously when required.

COMPETENCIES:

·       Respect, accountability, courage, excellence, adaptability, building commitment, coaching, planning and organizing, pro-active problem solving.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can send their CV and cover letter through THIS LINK ONLY on or before January 14, 2024, by 5:00 PM. 

Due to the urgency of the position, Project HOPE has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.

Qualified female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Due to the large number of inquiries, we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please.

However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.

Thank you very much for your interest in Project HOPE.

EEO Statement

Project HOPE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran. Project HOPE complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Project HOPE expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran. Improper interference with the ability of Project HOPE employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.