MHPSS Assistant
Support integration of MHPSS dimensions in local Health and Nutrition programme delivery.
Overview
Support integration of MHPSS dimensions in local Health and Nutrition programme delivery.
You have:
- A university degree in psychology or a medical doctor.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in mental health & psychosocial support (MHPSS) field in the humanitarian context, experience in working with IDPs is an asset.
- Minimum of 1-year experience providing supportive supervision to MHPSS staff.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dari/Pashto depending on location, English is an asset.
- Proven capacity to train, supervise, and coach staff in MHPSS technical skills and coordination, based on evidence-based approaches and intervention packages.
- Sound knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines, human rights, and protection in humanitarian contexts.
The Organization We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
· No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday · All children learn from a quality basic education and that, · Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information: Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/jobs We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
TITLE: MHPSS Assistant TEAM/PROGRAMME: Health & Nutrition
LOCATION: Maidan Wardak GRADE: 6
CONTRACT LENGTH: Regular Fixed Term
Child Safeguarding: Level 2: either the role holder will have access to personal data about children and/or young people as part of their work; or they will be working in a ‘regulated’ position (accountant, barrister, solicitor, legal executive); therefore a police check will be required (at ‘standard’ level in the UK or equivalent in other countries). ROLE PURPOSE: Under the supervision of H&N Coordinator and with the technical support of the MHPSS Specialist and MHPSS Technical Advisor, the MHPSS Assistant will support integration of MHPSS dimensions in the Maidan Wardak province Health and Nutrition programme delivery, building on an evidence-based, psychosocial, developmental and multi-leveled approach, in line with global and regional standards. The role will encompass direct support to staff implementing MHPSS interventions and services, alongside capacity building, coaching and supervision of Health and Nutrition staff in Maidan Wardak. The MHPSS assistant will act as Focal Point for MHPSS in Maidan Wardak province and will participate in relevant local coordination platforms.
The PSS Technical Supervisor will receive regular training, support and supervision from the MHPSS TA.
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: H&N Coordinator, with technical support and supervision by the MHPSS Technical Advisor
Staff directly reporting to this post: MHPSS counsellors
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
This position will be working closely with the Health and Nutrition teams in Maidan Wardak with an aim to:
1) Contribute to the formulation of Maidan Wardak work plans and ensure the systematic integration of MHPSS priorities and interventions in H&N programme delivery 2) Establish close relationships and patterns of collaborations with key stakeholders in the community around MHPSS priorities 3) Coordinate and support the implementation of MHPSS or multi-dimensional needs assessments; ensure ongoing assessment/analysis of local context, priorities and needs related to MHPSS 4) In collaboration with Health and Nutrition teams, contribute to the identification of the most relevant information needed for communities related to MHPSS awareness and knowledge and support the formulation and implementation of relevant community awareness and dialogues. 5) Conduct/update MHPSS service mappings, provide quality vetting of potential referral options, and establish/maintain referral pathways and mechanisms in collaboration with Health and Nutrition teams 6) Review and contextualize MHPSS intervention packages, tools, activity plans and key messages, ensuring context relevance and sensitivity 7) Contribute to developing additional resources and tools if and as required, in line with current evidence and with supervision and support by the MHPSS TA 8) Provide supportive supervision to PSS Officers, this includes weekly/bi-weekly individual supervision, monthly group supervision and monthly live/observation supervision. Following the global standards related to providing supportive supervision. 9) Contribute to developing monitoring plans for the MHPSS portfolio, and support relevant monitoring and reporting activities 10) Participate in local MHPSS coordination platforms, and other relevant coordination forums 11) Using evidence-based resources as advised by the MHPSS TA, train, coach and support Health& Nutrition teams in integrating key MHPSS dimensions in their practice – including Basic Helping Skills, PFA, safe identification and referral, paraprofessional counseling etc, in line with the CO and global SOP’s and standards of good practice. 12) Using evidence-based resources as advised by the MHPSS TA, design, plan, coordinate and contribute to implementing mental health promotion and wellbeing activities targeting health care providers 13) The PSS Technical Supervisor will not be responsible for providing any counselling or person-focused therapeutic support to staff, this remains the responsibility of HR.
BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice) Accountability: • holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values • holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved. Ambition: • sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same • widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, 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 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • A university degree in psychology or a medical doctor. • Minimum of 3 years of experience in mental health& psychosocial support (MHPSS) field in the humanitarian context, experience in working with IDP’s is an asset. • Minimum of 1-year experience providing supportive supervision to MHPSS staff. • Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including team leading and influencing. • Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dari/Pashto depending on location, English is an asset. • Proven capacity to train, supervise, and coach staff in MHPSS technical skills and coordination, based on evidence-based approaches and intervention packages • Comfortable with high levels of ambiguity and able to take decisions independently in fluid context. • Experience with refugee/marginalized communities desired. • Sound knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines, human rights, and protection in humanitarian contexts. • Commitment to Save the Children values and Child Safeguarding.
The duties and responsibilities listed are representative of the nature of work required and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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. Equal Opportunities The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures. Child Safeguarding: We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse. Health and Safety The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Potential interview questions
| What strategies would you implement to integrate MHPSS priorities in the Health and Nutrition program delivery? | This question evaluates your understanding of MHPSS integration within health frameworks. | Discuss specific strategies that involve collaboration, training, and community engagement. |
| Can you share an example of how you've conducted a multi-dimensional needs assessment? | This question assesses your practical experience in assessing community needs. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you support and supervise staff in a challenging environment? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What approach do you take to build relationships with community stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to adapt MHPSS interventions based on local context. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What are your key considerations when training staff in MHPSS techniques? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated on best practices within the MHPSS field? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you describe how you would handle a situation of crisis among staff due to challenging circumstances? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |