MHPSS Counselor Assistant

Job Description

The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Today, 13.4 million people in Syria - more than half of the country's population - are in need of humanitarian assistance with needs increasingly being exacerbated by economic decline. Of these, 6.8 million are refugees and asylum-seekers who have fled the country. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.

IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1000+ staff in Syria Country Program. IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, early childhood development, education, women’s protection and empowerment, non-food items and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, protection and rule of law, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.

Job Overview/Summary:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the MHPSS Officer, the counselor supports the MHPSS team in their work with the People of all genders and communities. MHPSS counselor assistant will enhance the individual and collective wellbeing and ensure that vulnerable people of all genders, including children and adults are safeguarded from harm. This position is based in Deir ez-Zur, NE Syria and covering informal camps in Deir ez-Zur.

Responsibilities:

- Conduct mental health assessments of People of all genders in catchment areas, covered by Medical Mobile Unit in DEZ countryside, or referred by other agencies, develop care plans, deliver psychological intervention, and follow ups, in close cooperation with GP s and Psychiatrist - Conduct group psychoeducation sessions for People of all genders to raise awareness about Mental Health aspects and symptoms of Mental Health disorders - Offering information, support and advocacy to People of all genders, 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 - Develop services mapping for targeted area and update it regularly - Participating in multidisciplinary teams, case conferences, working groups, and related workshops and trainings when required; also, bi-weekly supervision and team meetings. - Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.

Qualifications

- Relevant higher national diploma or university degree or other advanced technical qualifications (psychology, psychological counseling, and Class teacher) or sociology. Ability to handle medium range planning and analysis. Approximately 2 years of experience. - Minimum of 2 years of experience in social work or case management, preferably with mental health patients. - Experience and demonstrated understanding of working with a refugee or internally displaced communities. - Understanding of mental health and psychosocial issues. - Knowledge of standard legal procedures.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

- A commitment to IRC’s mission, vision, values and IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct. - Credible written, presentation and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively and solid experience providing training and staff development - 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. - Validated ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative and programmatic pressures with detail orientation and professional patience. - Highly collaborative and resourceful; ability to establish positive working relationships with senior level management and all other partners to maximize cooperation and productivity. - Curiosity, a desire to continually learn and develop and a sense of humor is a must. - Analytical ability in creating effective solutions to complex matters while adhering to labor laws and internal policies. - Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Language/Travel:

- Arabic is required, and English language will be an asset. - Travel: Attend IRC trainings and program meetings as required.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Health officer in DEZ. Position directly supervises: none

Indirect Reporting (If applicable): Key Internal Contacts: NO

Key External Contacts: NO

Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Respect at Work Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.

Accountability to Clients: IRC staff must adhere to the commitment of contributing to the sustainability and development of its (CR) Client Responsiveness Mechanisms, preserving the culture of prioritizing the needs of our clients and affected communities by systematically listening to their perspectives and using their feedback to make programmatic decisions and give them greater influence over program design and delivery.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Diversity and Inclusion: at IRC MENA, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.

IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. In keeping with our core values of Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality, IRC strives to maintain a work environment built on mutual respect in which all individuals treat each other professionally, and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment. IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting. All IRC staff, wherever they are located, are accountable for creating an environment free of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation.