Mental Health psychosocial support worker

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver awareness session on mental health issues among Syrian refugee community and host population.
• Train Senior Refugee Outreach Volunteers (ROVs) on specific mental health topics.
• Conduct focus groups with Syrian communities within MTI’s areas of operation.
• Conduct PSS sessions with men, women and kids.
• Identify and refer cases and ensure action points are carried out within the agreed timeframe.
• Coordinate with relevant agencies, bodies, and authorities – reporting information back to the Country Manager and team.
• Stay up to date with industry and Lebanese standards and best practice for MPHSS, disseminating as needed.
• Submit monthly reports concerning implemented outreach activities, case observation and identification, referrals, and related challenges.
• Maintain files, registers, computer databases and records in soft and hard copies in adherence to the social work code of conduct.
• Attend trainings and meetings upon the Country Manager’s request.
• Additional tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• University degree in the field of psychology.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years work experience in a similar field, preferably in a refugee setting
• Previous working experience with INGO/NGO in a similar position is required
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Strong grasp on MHPSS applied to international law, humanitarian law, and local law and culture on a technical level.
• Commitment to Medical Teams International mission statement.
• Technical knowledge of MHPSS, particularly in developing and managing projects and their evaluation cycles.
• Understanding of the coordination mechanisms in the Bekaa Valley and Lebanon, able to navigate meetings and networking with confidence and competence.
• Commitment to the dignity of those receiving aid through MTI programing.
• Ability to work well in a team and under pressure and in response to changing needs.
• Ability to plan well, set own targets and meet them.
• Ability to deal with difficult, often frustrating work situations in a calm and professional manner, seeking assistance of team when needed.
• High degree of responsibility, initiative, emotional stability, the ability to prioritize a heavy workload and to delegate accordingly, culturally sensitive to those receiving aid and to the culture of the hosting population and visiting people.
• Ability to understand and interpret MPHSS between various cultures and languages.
• Professional attitude and the ability to build successful working relationships
• Experience in and knowledge of the complexity of the Syrian crisis and the international response is considered a strong asset.
• Communication Skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Able to express ideas in written form; editing; revising; reporting
• Prepare concise and logically written material
• Prepare, develop, and give trainings both for technical and lay audiences
• Organize and present ideas effectively for both formal and spontaneous speeches 
• Participate in group discussions with various stakeholders
• Fluent in both written and spoken Arabic and English, cultural translation ability preferred
• Computer Skills  
• Apply basic computer skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite

WORKING CONDITIONS

Tools and Equipment Used

• Requires frequent use of computers, printing machines, telephones, projectors, vehicles, and other equipment.

Physical Demands

• The employee is required to conduct SPSS sessions within the Informal Tented Settlements (ITS) which will include walking distances, standing to conduct training, sitting to listen in focus groups, and the ability to interact with people of all kinds.
• Employee should be able to dress in a way that fits the field environment.

Work Environment

• Most of the field work will be conducted in tents, the employee will spend 75% in the field
• The employee may be requested to wear special uniform when visiting an ITS
• This job encourages employees to work as a team based out of MTI’s Zahle office as much as the job allows, providing space for collaboration and learning

SELECTION GUIDELINES AND SIGNATURE

Selection Guidelines

• Formal application, evaluation of education and experience; oral interviews and reference check; job related tests might be required.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change.
• Candidates must complete an acceptable Background Check as part of the hiring process with Medical Teams International.