Mental Health Peer Specialist

Scope of work:

The Mental Health Program Specialist is responsible for building resilience of people forcibly displaced from Afghanistan. This position will be engaging with individuals and families from the Afghan community who are experiencing adjustment difficulties to offer encouragement, practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support. The role will include conducting client-centered needs assessments and skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions. Depending on community need, the Mental Health Program Specialist may also run psychosocial support groups, provide educational workshops, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections.

Essential Responsibilities:

Promote mental health and psychosocial support within affected communities
Meet with individuals and families in the community to conduct needs assessments
Prepare an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities
Under supervision, engage in evidenced based psychoeducation and skill building activities
Document activities through case notes and data entry
Collaborate with supervisor to provide crisis assessment
Assist with evaluation of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service opportunities
Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics
Other duties, as required

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Mental Health Program Coordinator

Position directly supervises: N/A

Other Internal and/or external contacts: HQ Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, Mental Health providers

Job Requirements:

Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in the field of mental health or social services (relevant work experience can be a substitute for an undergraduate degree)
Fluency in English and either Dari or Pashto required
Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with disadvantaged communities and related to health or mental health
Trust and rapport with the Afghan community
Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and mental health
Ability to assess needs, prioritize and develop action plans
Ability to advocate and liaise with health and social service systems
Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age
Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems
Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance

Working Environment:

Standard, professional office environment combined with community-based work.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.