Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS Officer) at Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries. We save children’s lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Save the Children is working in Nigeria because one in five children in Nigeria dies before their fifth birthday. About 40% of children miss out on school and have to work to survive while nearly 2 million children have lost one or both parents to an AIDS-related disease.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

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

Job ID: 230000H9
Location: Dutse, Jigawa
Grade: 4
Employee Status: Fixed Term
Team/Programme: Child Protection in Emergencies

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 the 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 flood in NW Nigeria, and
• To assist the MHPSS unit in providing clinical intervention to the children in distresses.
• 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.

Scope of Role

• Reports to: Response Team Lead
• Staff reporting to this post: None
• Budget responsibility: None

Key Areas of Accountability
Support MHPSS activities in CP programming:

• Provide support, in the MHPSS Programming which includes:
• 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 program 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 on referral pathways for children with severe mental disorders

Proposed Outputs:

• Individual counseling 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 a reasonable level of their skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities:

• 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 BSc in Psychology, Psychiatric Nurse, and Medical social work.
• Minimum of 2 years post NYSC cognate experience in a clinical setting, NGO, and INGO
• Experienced 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
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational 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 modeling Save the Children’s 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, and 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
7th February, 2023.

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