IR/INT/EXT/VN/006.20
July 24, 2020

Post Title:                 Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Counselor

Duty Station:            Somali Regional State, Bare, Charetti and Elkere Woreda

Reports to:               Health and Nutrition Officer  

Salary:                       As per the organization scale

Required:                 Three (one each Woreda)  

Duration:                  Five months     

Introduction

Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity founded in 1984 with its headquarters in Birmingham, UK. As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities - regardless of race, religion or gender. The office officially started operation in Ethiopia in 2004. Islamic Relief Ethiopia (IRE) is operational in the Somali Regional State with a base office in Hargelle, Elkere, Bare, Dekasuftu, Godgod, Kohle, Gorobokeksa, Guradamole and Jigjiga, Afar Regional State; Awra, Ewa & Gulina and an additional operational office in Addis Ababa. For more information please visit our website: http://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that the goals and objectives of the MHPSS project are met as per the project proposal, work plan and M & E Plan.
• Ensure the implementation and promoting mental health and psychosocial support activities at community level.
• Provide individual counseling and maintain confidentiality during service provision.
• Capacity building for HEWs and Community mobilizers related to psychosocial first aid.
• Provision of quality MHPSS first aid service according to MHPSS national protocols.
• Collaborate with the Mobile health and nutrition team in the field and /or nurse in the management of mental health cases and Sexual Violence cases.
• Assess MHPS cases need for referral as per the referral criteria and ensure that the referral system is well followed and obstacles are reported and discussed with the aim of solving them.
• Identify major stressors for women and children in the community.
• Promoting psychological wellbeing and participate and strengthening coordination with government and partners for better MHPSS intervention.
• Participating in the monthly and quarterly Woreda level update and review meeting and responsible for reports according to templates

Additional Responsibilities

• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other related tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task
• Inform the Senior Nutrition Officer of any professional problems encountered
• Conduct all duties in a professional manner following Islamic Relief staff regulations and charter
• Ability to handle multiple tasks on an on-going basis, and adapt to a shift or change in priorities, including the ability to work a flexible work schedule as needed to meet deliverable deadlines
• Organize training courses
• Draft agendas and record minutes of staffs meetings and answer office correspondence

Required Qualification and Experience

• BSc in  Psychology, Social Psychology, Clinical Nursing with mental health and Psychosocial background or  related field with 5 year professional experience
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel)
• Excellent communication skills-verbal and written. Communication in English is a key requirement. Knowledge of local language Somali is Mandatory
• Commitment to Islamic Relief Principles.
• Ability to work under pressure, long work hours and high workload.
• Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as to work autonomously when required.
• Ability to constructively address gaps and weaknesses.
• Cross-cultural Awareness.
• People management.
• Result oriented.
• Strategic vision, leadership, people management and planning.