Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Assistant at Community Resilience for Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative (CORWEI)

Community Resilience for Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative (CORWEI) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-religious and non-political organization. The organization was formed as a response to the deplorable conditions of women, youth and children affected by conflict and the concomitant effect of pervasive levels of inequality and gender-based violence, widespread loss of livelihoods, biting poverty and absence of essential health and WASH services in communities and underserved settlements.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Assistant

Locations: Borno and Sokoto
Slots: 5 Openings

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  mental health and psychosocial support interventions for children affected by the conflict  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 Accountabilities

• 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.
• 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 Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Minimum of B.Sc in relevant field of study.
• Minimum of 2 years post NYSC  cognate 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.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

Behaviours (Values In Practice):
Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling 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 and 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.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail

Application Deadline  12th December, 2022.