POOL - GENERIC - Staff Psychosocial Support Officer

Support mental health and psychosocial initiatives for staff health.

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ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

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Overview

Support mental health and psychosocial initiatives for staff health.

You have:

Graduate degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in clinical psychology
Valid licence to practise in country of residence
Fluent command of English (French and Arabic an asset)
Typically six to nine years’ overall professional experience
At least two years’ post-graduate professional experience in clinical psychology
Experience in post-incident support
Proven experience as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Field experience in the humanitarian sector an asset
Experience in designing and implementing MHPSS systems within organizations an asset

Contract

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Details

Reports to (role)

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Purpose

The Staff Psychosocial Support Officer supports implementation of the staff health strategy and, specifically, the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) strategy for staff within a delegation, in coherence with the MHPSS-for-staff component of the staff health strategy, and in close collaboration with the staff health team.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

Develops and implements a structured action plan in the delegation, to promote mental health, prevent mental ill-health and respond to psychological distress and mental disorders among staff. This includes regular visits to all locations where the ICRC works in the country of assignment to actively support the staff health team, which is the primary implementer of the MHPSS strategy for staff.
In collaboration with the delegation’s staff health team, conducts a comprehensive assessment of staff MHPSS needs and develops a corresponding action plan.
In collaboration with other relevant stakeholders within the delegation, supports good managerial practices by providing backing to team leaders and managers on communication, basic psychological support, leadership, teamwork, conflict management and other relevant topics.
Supports strategies and action to increase staff mental health awareness, strengthen self-care strategies and decrease the stigma associated with psychological suffering and help-seeking.
Supports the implementation of a peer-support system in the delegation and supervision/intervision/guided reflexive practices for teams that are most exposed to the risks of secondary traumatic stress.
Builds the capacity of and provides direct support and clinical supervision to the staff health team, to strengthen its ability to provide first-line basic clinical support to staff facing psychological distress, mental disorders, critical incidents, sexual harassment and/or sexual violence.
Offers systematic organizational and clinical support following security incidents affecting the delegation and provides support in case of need for the medical evacuation of staff.
Offers direct, specialized clinical support to staff experiencing psychological distress, mental disorders, critical incidents, sexual harassment and/or sexual violence.
Supports the development of an external referral[JB1] network of trusted local mental health professionals for staff in need of long-term psychological and psychiatric support.

People management responsibilities

Scope & Impact

Remit: delegation.

Has technical supervision over Staff Health Officers and the Staff Health Manager on all aspects linked to mental health and psychosocial support.

Relationships

Internally, interacts with the delegation management, Human Resources Department, Staff Psychologist (headquarters), Organizational Psychologist (headquarters), Regional Staff Psychosocial Support Coordinator, Staff Health Officers and Staff Health Managers.
Externally, interacts with regional and local providers of MHPSS services.

Certifications / Education required

Graduate degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in clinical psychology;
Valid licence to practise in country of residence;
Fluent command of English (French and Arabic an asset);
Computer proficiency.

Professional Experience required

Typically six to nine years’ overall professional experience;
At least two years’ post-graduate professional experience in clinical psychology;
Experience in post-incident support;
Proven experience as a member of a multidisciplinary team;
Field experience in the humanitarian sector an asset;
Experience in designing and implementing MHPSS systems within organizations an asset.

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Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time you helped someone in psychological distress?	The interviewer wants to assess your practical experience and empathy in handling sensitive situations.	Share a specific incident where you applied your psychological skills effectively.
Describe your approach to assess mental health needs in a team.	The interviewer is evaluating your assessment and analytical skills in understanding group dynamics.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you support team leaders in managing mental health issues?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you handled a crisis situation effectively?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.