National MHPSS Officer
Provide clinical and psychosocial support for individuals in distress.
Overview
Provide clinical and psychosocial support for individuals in distress.
You have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or related mental health field from an accredited academic institution, or related field with two years of relevant professional experience; or a Master’s degree in above fields.
- Professional registration/license to practice psychology is an advantage (Allied Health Professional Council).
- Experience providing direct psychological services in humanitarian, migration, displacement, or low-resource settings.
- Experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, violence, displacement, or severe distress.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations including migrants, displaced persons, women, youth, and survivors of violence.
- Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings is highly desirable.
Contract
This is a NO-A contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 1 years of experience, depending on education. More about NO-A contracts.
The incumbent will provide direct clinical and psychosocial support interventions for individuals experiencing distress, trauma-related symptoms, severe emotional difficulties, or psychosocial vulnerabilities associated with displacement, prolonged transit, deportation, detention experiences, family separation, violence, or uncertainty regarding return and reintegration
Qualifications
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or related mental health field from an accredited academic institution, or related field with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
- Master’s degree in above fields.
- Professional registration/license to practice psychology is an advantage (Allied Health Professional Council).
EXPERIENCE
- Experience providing direct psychological services in humanitarian, migration, displacement, or low-resource settings.
- Experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, violence, displacement, or severe distress.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations including migrants, displaced persons, women, youth, and survivors of violence.
- Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct psychological support services to migrants, returnees, and vulnerable individuals through individual counselling, supportive psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and psychosocial assessments.
- Conduct structured MHPSS assessments and identify individuals requiring specialized mental health support or referral in line with established procedures.
- Provide psychosocial support and follow-up for complex and high-risk cases, including individuals presenting with severe distress, suicide risk, trauma-related symptoms, or significant psychosocial vulnerabilities, under the supervision of the MHPSS Regional Specialist.
- Facilitate group counselling sessions, psychoeducation activities, stress management sessions, and psychosocial support groups.
- Support referral processes to psychiatric, medical, protection, or specialized services in collaboration with the MHPSS Regional Specialist and relevant partners.
- Participate in suicide prevention and suicide watch procedures, including observation, documentation, safety planning, and referral coordination.
- Maintain confidential case files and accurate documentation in line with IOM data protection standards and ethical guidelines.
- Assist in the development of culturally appropriate psychosocial materials and intervention tools.
- Provide technical support and guidance to MHPSS frontline staff and community workers, as requested.
- Support MHPSS activity tracking, reporting, and monitoring.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and coordination activities as required, under the guidance of the MHPSS Regional Specialist.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience providing psychological support in humanitarian settings? | This question assesses your practical experience in relevant contexts. | Provide specific examples from your past roles in similar settings. |
| How do you approach cases involving severe emotional distress or trauma? | This question evaluates your understanding and techniques in handling critical psychological issues. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to ensure cultural competence in your practice? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you document and maintain confidentiality in your case files? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you share an example of a successful group counseling session you've facilitated? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you employ for crisis intervention? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you collaborate with other professionals in multidisciplinary teams? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What do you consider the most significant challenges in working with displaced persons and how do you address them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |