Job Overview/Summary:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the MHPSS Officer, the MHPSS Counselor Assistant supports the beneficiaries, individuals, families and communities in the Roj camp at the IRC health facility site. She will enhance the individual and collective wellbeing and ensure that vulnerable people, including children and adults are safeguarded from harm. MHPSS counselor will work closely with MHPSS Officer to ensure implementation of Mental Health activities in an effective and proper way in line with mhGAP guidance and facilitate all operational needs in the field through close coordination with other team member at the clinic.

Responsibilities:

• Under supervision of  MHPSS Officer and extended supervision of MHPSS  Snr. Officer.
• the MHPSS counselor will undertake following responsibilities:
• Conduct mental health assessments of individuals and families in covered areas by Medical Unit, or referred by other agencies, develop care plans, deliver psychological intervention, and follow ups in close cooperation with trained General Practitioners (GPs) and Psychiatrist.
• Conduct group psychoeducation & Psychosocial support (PSS) sessions for men and women to raise awareness about Mental Health aspects and symptoms of Mental Health disorders.
• Contribute and support in conducting awareness sessions on several mental health and psychosocial support topics by CHWs.
• Ensure all client files are kept in a safe, privet and appropriate way by regularly data audit.
• Facilitate Protection clients’ access to mental health services.
• Submit regular feedback report to the MHPSS Officer, MHPSS Snr. officer, Health Information System (HIS) team and follow up the progress against targets, all implementation details, and challenges.
• Offering information, support and advocacy to individuals and families, including escorting them, if necessary, to relevant services.
• Work with the referring case manager/social worker from Protection to streamline service provision and follow-up, including referrals to other PSS activities, (working in close collaboration IRC Protection colleagues).
• Liaising with and making referrals to other agencies and conducting follow-ups to assess progress.
• Develop services mapping for targeted area and update it regularly and share the supervisor with.
• Participating in multidisciplinary teams, case conferences, working groups, ad hoc workshops and thematic training when required.
• Maintaining accurate and secure records and updating them in a timely manner.
• Participating in MHPSS trainings, Peer Support sessions, bi-weekly supervision sessions and team meetings.
• Contributing to the development of and participation in proposed activities in relation to psychosocial support and increased well-being of the targeted population.
• Contribute to raise the capacity building needs regarding Mental Health.
• Raising field needs to Administrative Officers through monthly procurement plans.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor are to enable and develop IRC programs.

• A university degree in psychology or counselling with psychotherapy, clinical and or counselling psychology work experience.
• Minimum of (2) years of relevant work experience in psychosocial support/psychological consultation, in clinical and/or direct practice settings, preferably working with conflict-affected people.
• Knowledgeable in and has used the IASC MHPSS guidelines and best practices as part of their previous work experience.
• Experience and demonstrated understanding of working with refugees or internally displaced communities.
• Understanding of mental health and psychosocial issues.
• Knowledge of standard legal procedures.
• Experience in PSS sessions with children, women.
• Personal qualities: Team player, flexible, well organized, network-builder, able to handle pressure well and work in cross-cultural setting.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• High level of communication skills.
• Skills with good level at Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong communication skills demonstrated ability to liaise with Mental Health beneficiaries, partner organizations strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to communicate effectively with different type of people.
• Demonstrated organizational, management and reporting skills.
• Works well in teams and promotes teamwork, flexible and able to handle pressure and conflict well in a calm and constructive manner.
• Ability to work under pressure with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to be flexible, adaptable, and creative in a challenging and fast-moving multicultural environment.
• A commitment to the IRC’s mission, vision, values, and IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct.
• Validated sense of professional discretion, integrity, and ability to handle complex situations diplomatically and to effective resolution.
• Excellent management and interpersonal skills and a solid ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross-cultural context.
• Demonstrated belief in gender equality and enthusiastic commitment to the safety and empowerment of women and children.
• Comfortable speaking about sensitive topics in an honest, professional, and thoughtful manner.
• Always maintain confidentiality and respect for clients.
• Demonstrated capacity to perform well under pressure with overlapping deadlines in a challenging environment.

Language/Travel:

• Fluency in Arabic and Kurdish is mandatory. English preferred.
• Travel: 100% in the field sites (the IRC health facility in the Roj camp), as well as attending all workshops and meetings, if required.