Job Description

Position: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer

Location: Aden

Administrative supervisor: Child Health and Nutrition Manager

Reference: 24-06

Duration: Till September 30, 2024, renewable based on fund availability & performance

ABOUT ADRA: The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is an independent, humanitarian agency established for the specific purpose of providing individual and community development and disaster relief. ADRA Yemen pursue a mission of changing the world by uplifting one life at a time. ADRA International serves 117 countries and is present in Yemen since 1995. Its programs are supported by USAID, BHA, The Japan Platform, DANIDA, GFFO, BMZ, IHA Canada, UNOCHA, and WFP It has presence in 12 Governorates in Yemen responding to 8 areas of humanitarian sectors. ADRA Yemen is undertaking programs in Yemen in the fields of health, nutrition, WASH, food security, livelihoods, and protection.

Safeguarding: ADRA Yemen organization is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risks and children in the targeted communities, as well as the welfare of all ADRA Yemen representatives. ADRA Yemen expects the post holder to adhere to and share this commitment. All necessary measures for safer recruitment would be required including thorough background checks.

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Child Health and Nutrition Manager, The Mental health and Psychosocial Support Officer of SHAY project will be responsible to help in the implementation and monitoring of the mental health program and ensure that program goals, objectives, targets, and activities are met, as stated, and agreed in the project work plan and log frame. This position will be working closely with psychologists and psychiatrists for handling cases, conducting appropriate referrals if needed, and protection services. The psychologist will provide psychological interventions based on the needs and preventing complaints.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer is responsible but not limited to:

• Implementing psychosocial activities and Develop quality of mental health and psychosocial support interventions, embedded in public health programming.
• Conduct group meetings and brainstorming sessions with beneficiaries for MHPSS related activities Plan and facilitate with psychologist and Psychiatric the psychosocial Individual and support group Therapeutic sessions and activities.
• Supervise and develop detailed work plans for incentive staff for proper implementation of psychosocial services.
• Support the client(s) coping process and mobilize their internal and external resources for processing acute adversity.
• Supervise and support community health workers in providing psychosocial support and psychological first aid.
• Train the CHWs and health workers on Mhgap and THP.
• Maintain effective working relationships with relevant partners including referral organizations community groups and other implementing partners.
• Producing timely progress reports, including both quantitative and qualitative information, on MHPSS
• Ensure regular supervision and monitoring activities at the village, district, and governorate levels. Share findings and recommendations with the supervisor.
• Collaborate and ensure with the rest of the team to exchange information that ADRA programs are responding to the evolving needs of IDPs, refugees, and the host community.
• Provide psycho-education sessions to the members of clients /staff when needed.
• Support the health facilities in identifying and referring Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) survivors in line with the established referral pathway.
• Assist the MHPSS PM in designing, setting up, and training + supervision of volunteers to run Women/Child Friendly Spaces activities within the health facility and in the community.
• Compile and submit weekly and monthly activity reports to the Mental health supervisor using appropriate reporting tools.
• Perform other tasks requested by direct manager.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, mental health, public health, psychology, psychiatry, or social work, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in health/nutrition programming with at least 3 years of experience in health/nutrition such as CMAM, MAMI, IYCF, ICCM, etc.
• Sound understanding of the MISP framework in Yemen.
• Experience with MEAL principles/practice.
• Clear understanding of the intersection between health, nutrition, child protection, education, WASH, and food security.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of health equipment and medical supplies.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead, train and motivate a team.
• Experience of and commitment to capacity building of staff.
• Experience of working collaboratively with local and national government.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Report writing skills in English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (MS Excel and MS PowerPoint, in particular).
• Willingness/ability to travel to field locations and live in insecure and challenging environments.

Mental/Emotional requirements: Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with co-workers, supervisors, network employees, donors and the public in a professional and pleasant manner. Must have the ability to live in sub-optimal conditions, including unreliable internet access.

ADRA’S VALUES: We uphold the Humanitarian Principles; our key values:

• Connected
• Courageous
• Compassionate