Organization Background: JSI is a US-based public health nonprofit organization committed to delivering high-quality technical and managerial assistance programs worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in Ethiopia, JSI has implemented over 60 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes, quality, and equity in access to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services. JSI has actively contributed to various areas, including primary health care, community health programs, digital health, health information systems (HIS), supply chain management, public health emergency responses, and social and behavior change.

Activity Overview:

The USAID Quality Healthcare Activity (QHA) aims to enhance health outcomes by improving the readiness of health facilities to deliver quality RMNCAH services, enhancing management and accountability for quality service delivery, and restoring services in conflict-affected areas. QHA's strategies will assist the government of Ethiopia in building responsive, resilient, and sustainable public and private health care systems. The five-year project, funded by USAID, will be implemented by JSI in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI), Project HOPE, and the Network of Ethiopian Women's Associations (NEWA) (May 01, 2023 - April 30, 2028).

Job Summary

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Mental Health and  Psychosocial Support Specialist to join our team. The primary focus of this role is to enhance mental and psychosocial services in health centers and hospitals within intervention Woredas. The key areas of concentration include strengthening one-stop centers and referral services, specifically tailored for survivors of gender-based violence (SGBV) and Obstetric Fistula treatment services. In addition to health facility support, this role involves providing assistance to individuals affected by mental trauma and gender-based violence in internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. The successful candidate will collaborate with facilitators, representatives, and government focal persons to fortify mental health and psychosocial support networks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the integration of  mental health and psychosocial support into the services offered by health centers and hospitals.

• Strengthen referral services for survivors of SGBV and Obstetric Fistula to ensure timely and comprehensive treatment.

• Work closely with health care providers in health centers and hospitals within intervention Woredas to strengthen mental health and psychosocial services.

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance one-stop centers in hospitals, providing comprehensive support for survivors of SGBV and Obstetric Fistula.

• Facilitate training sessions for health care providers in health centers and hospitals on mental health and psychosocial support, with a specific focus on trauma survivors.

• Provide technical assistance to health care providers to strengthen psychosocial support services, including routine follow-up visits to monitor progress.

• Support the training of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHNT) members, ensuring the inclusion of psychosocial support in the service packages provided in health facilities.

• Actively engage in team collaboration within the organization, fostering an integrated approach to mental health and psychosocial support.

• Strengthen referral pathways for cases with trauma, ensuring coordinated care at different levels.

• Provide necessary support for awareness creation activities on psychosocial issues in health centers and hospitals within intervention Woredas.

• Advocate for the importance of mental health and psychosocial support services in post conflict settings.

• Prepare and submit periodic plans, field reports, monthly, and quarterly reports, including updates on the progress of psychosocial support services in health facilities.

• Support and actively participate in review meetings at various levels, with a focus on health facility interventions.

• Execute additional activities as assigned by the supervisor, which may include participating in research, contributing to policy development, or taking a lead role in specific health-related projects.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, mental health Social Work, or a related field.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in providing mental health Psychosocial services, preferably within a program of an equivalent size and scope.

• Proven experience in implementing MHPSS service in health facilities as well as IDPs

• In-depth understanding of post-conflict settings and the associated challenges and commitment to advancing MHPSS for vulnerable populations. Strong training and capacity-building skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

• Sensitivity to cultural differences and respect for diversity.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the minimum requirements should send and apply at THIS LINK  please submit your application letter with your CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post.

Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

JSI/WEI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI/WEI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or protected veteran status in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D