Mental Health Specialist

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Salamati Rohi (سلامت روحی) Program aims to build the resilience of people forcibly displaced from Afghanistan by focusing on wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. The Mental Health (Salamati Rohi) Specialist will engage with individuals and families from the Afghan community who are experiencing adjustment difficulties to offer encouragement, practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support. The role will include conducting client-centered needs assessments and skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions. Depending on community need, the Salamati Rohi Specialist may also run psychosocial support groups, provide educational workshops, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections. Dari and/or Pashto language skills are required, in addition to proficiency in English.

Major Responsibilities:

- Promoting wellness and psychosocial support within affected communities. - Meeting with individuals and families in the community to conduct needs assessments. - Preparing an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities. - Under supervision, engaging in evidenced based psychoeducation and skill building activities. - Documenting activities through case notes and data entry. - Collaborating with supervisor to provide crisis assessment. - Assisting with evaluation of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service opportunities. - Attending IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee wellness and psychosocial support related topics. - Collaborating with colleagues across the team to provide holistic services in the context of the resettlement and integration process. - Other duties, as required.

Job Requirements:

Education

- Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in the field of mental health or social services. Equivalent years in relevant work experience may be substituted.

Work Experience

- Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with disadvantaged communities and related to health or mental health and psychosocial support.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies

- Fluency in English and Dari and/or Pashto languages is required. - Trust and rapport with the Afghan community. - Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and mental health. - Ability to assess needs, prioritize and develop action plans. - Ability to advocate and liaise with health and social service systems. - Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively. - Strong communication skills (written and verbal). - Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment. - Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, and age. - Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems. - Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance.

Working Environment:

- A combination of standard office environment and remote work. - Staff are required to adhere to IRC’s COVID risk mitigation policies, which may include masking, physical distancing, enhanced hygiene practices, symptom screening, and isolation and quarantine when needed. IRC policies may be stricter than federal, state, or local level policies. - This role entails periodic travel in and around the Denver metro area to attend meetings, carry out the responsibilities outlined above, and represent the IRC with donors, partners, and vendors. - Hours outside of typical office hours, including weekends and evenings, are occasionally required.

COVID-19 Vaccination: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position with an initial term of 15 months, classified as a non-exempt and eligible for overtime under state and federal law. Starting compensation is $22.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, this total compensation package includes: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month with low to no deductible; dental insurance starting at $7 per month; vision insurance starting at $5 per month; FSA for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter costs; a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested employer matching; disability & life insurance; generous parental leave; and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. In addition, the IRC in Denver offers annual staff development funds and actively promotes learning and growth for its team members.

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Qualifications