Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Assistant at Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is an International Organization with a dual mandate of humanitarian and development work. It has been working for the rights of Children globally for over 90 years. Save the Children has been working in Nigeria since 2001 and has presence in 20 states. Save the Children launched the humanitarian response in the North East Nigeria in 2014 and since then has drastically expanded its capacity to provide lifesaving assistance to people affected by the conflict. Its humanitarian response currently delivers integrated programmes to enhance food security, restore livelihoods, reduce malnutrition, improve psychosocial wellbeing, protect children, and improve access to education and water, sanitation and hygiene services. SC currently works in six LGAs in Borno, Maiduguri (MMC), Kaga, Magumeri, Mafa, Jere and Konduga, with past work in Biu and plans to expand to include Rann.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Assistant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Team / Programme: Humanitarian
Grade: 4  
Contract Lenght: 1 Year
Reports to: MHPSS Specilaist
Budget Responsibility: None

Child Safeguarding

• Level 3: The responsibilities of this post may require the post holder to have regular contact with children and young people. In the overseas context all posts are considered to be level 3.
• As part of these responsibilities the post holder will support the establishment of child safeguarding systems, promote a culture of keeping children safe, and ensure that potential harm to children (by our own staff and/or as a result of how we do our work) is identified and addressed on an ongoing basis.  
• The post holder should report and respond to interventions as determined by position related responsibilities identified in the Child Safeguarding Policy.

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 assist the MHPSS unit in providing clinical intervention to children in distress.
• The Child Protection Psychologist Assistant 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.
• 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 Accountability

• Support to MHPSS programming activities to with CP.
• Support to MHPSS programming activities within Child Protection Sector.
• 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 manualized 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 practices with teams
• Support current MHPSS practices, reflecting on a cross-sectoral approach.  
• Structured MHPSS activities for boys and girls, organized 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.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.
• The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Minimum of B.Sc in Psychology, Psychiatriic Nurse, and Medical Social Work.
• Minimum of 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.

Behaviours (Values In Practice):
Accountability:

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

Application Closing Date
13th December, 2022.