Job For Mental Health Psychosocial Officer at Save the Children, 2nd March, 2019

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. We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Mental Health Psychosocial Officer (National Position) Job ID: 190000HP Location: Maiduguri, Borno Role Purpose

The purpose of this position is two-fold: 1) 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 2) 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 Accountability 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:

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.
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

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

Qualification and Experience Essential:

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
Minimum of BSc in Psychology, Psychiatriic 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

Desirable: