The MHPSS Specialist is a roster position for national staff only. Candidates applying to this position are indicating that they are interested in being considered for International Medical Corps’ standby roster for emergency response in the Philippines and be ready for deployment within 48 hours. Roster members will be contacted only when there is an emergency-response need for which the responder is qualified. This position will not be compensated unless responders are deployed to an emergency response

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing the technical components of the MHPSS intervention. International Medical Corps’ approach to mental health is heavily based on training and developing the capacity of local partners and national staff; the successful candidate should therefore have experience in training, on the job supervision and mentoring, coordination and in building referral links to other formal service providers and informal community supports. The MHPSS Specialist will train, supervise, coordinate and oversee a national team of mental health officers and a team of community outreach volunteers who will engage in outreach, follow-up and basic mental health and psychosocial support. The MHPSS Specialist will closely work and coordinate with Program Manager to implement MHPSS related activities including training and supervising general health care providers in mental health using mhGAP Intervention Guidelines.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation

As part of the disaster preparedness activities, train EMT members from Rural Health Units (RHU), village health workers or village social in selected municipalities and IMC staff in the Philippines on basic mental health care and emotional support and other relevant MHPSS topics needed in emergency settings (e.g. psychological first aid).
Provide mental health and psychosocial support services along with EMT members during emergency response.
Implement social and recreational activities (e.g. youth friendly activities) in evacuation or temporary shelters.
Engage trained EMT members and volunteers in on the job mentoring and supervision
Actively participate in MHPSS coordination mechanisms in the disaster-affected area (e.g. MHPSS sub-cluster or TWG).
Support collection and reporting of mental health project data, including if relevant, the HMIS reporting and patient outcomes (e.g. functioning, satisfaction with services) in collaboration with M & E Officer.
As needed, assist in the development of new proposals in MHPSS and hiring of new staff.
Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines and closely coordinate with IMC’s Technical Unit Global Mental Health Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports.
EDUCATION & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

The qualified candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with 2+ years’ experience working on MHPSS programs, preferably in humanitarian settings
Training and clinical supervision practice and experience required
Knowledgeable in and experience following IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergencies and international best practices on the integration of MHPSS into primary health care settings
Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of responses to pre-existing and emergency-induced MHPSS needs
Training experience required; capacity and proven track record in national staff and partner training and capacity-building
Strong organizational and supervisory skills
Honest, hardworking and self-motivated
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments
Strong written and communication skills
Ability to work within a team structure or independently, flexible, and can cope with stressful workload

Only applicants who are eligible to work in the Philippines without employer provided sponsorship are eligible for this position. Applicants who are available to start immediately may be considered earlier in the selection process.