Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer at Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in communities around the world. Join our dedicated and diverse staff in their work to improve the well-being of children everywhere.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) Officer

Job ref.: 1900016O
Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Employee Status: Permanent

Role Purpose
The purpose of this position is two-fold:

• To support the MHPSS unit to oversee quality improvements in Save the Children’s mental health and psychosocial support interventions for children affected by the conflict in NE Nigeria; and
• To asssit the MHPSS unit in providing clinical intervention to children in distresss.
• The MHPSS Officer is required to travel to field sites regularly.
• In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

Key Areas of Accountabilities
Support to MHPSS programming activities to with CP:

• Provide support, in the MHPSS Programming which include:
  • Ensuring assistance is provided to children affected by the conflict in a  dignified, respectful, equitable and inclusive manner that supports their resilience
  • Assisting children in acute distress and alleviating their stress, for instance ensuring that all staff / partners are trained on PFA and feel confident to use it
  • The mainstreaming of inter-agency guidelines (e.g. IASC MHPSS guidelines) and standards (e.g. CPMS) across the different sectors of programme activities delivered by SC and its partners
  • The use of structured and manualised MHPSS techniques
  • The participation of parents and caregivers in MHPSS activities
• Support structured MHPSS activities for groups of boys and girls of different age groups, with particular attention to survivors of SGBV, unaccompanied children and other children who present with signs of poor mental health and distress
• Identify MHPSS service providers and agree referral pathways for children with severe mental disorders

Proposed Outputs:

• Individual counselling sessions with children and beneficiaries where required to discuss complex cases. 
• Be available on call/skype if any urgent matters arise that a staff would like to share regarding their casework or his/her personal well being
• Bi -monthly progress reports to the MHPSS Coordinator to highlight needs and gaps.
• Development of peer/reflective practises with teams
• Support current MHPSS practices, reflecting on a cross-sectoral approach.  
• Structured MHPSS activities for boys and girls, organised in age appropriate groups with a clear methodology or curriculum to promote mental well-being. Such activities must align with donor commitments in already-funded projects.

Behaviours (Values in Practice)
Accountability:

• Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

Ambition:

• Set ambitious and challenging goals for him or herself and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Minimum of B.Sc in Psychology, Psychiatric Nurse, and Medical Social Worker.
• Minimum 4 years post NYSC  cognant experience in clinical setting, NGO and INGO
• Experience in Psychological First Aid, and other psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities
• Experience working in Child Protection programs, including those with MHPSS component
• Fluent in English and Hausa is desirable
• Working knowledge of Kanuri and Shuwa is an advantage
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and discretion with confidential information
• Ability to work independently and proactively

Desirable:

• Experience in humanitarian emergencies and/or a refugee/displacement-setting

Application Closing Date
23rd May, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online