MHPSS Associate

TITLE: MHPSS ASSOCIATE

TYPE: JOB

DEPARTMENT: PROGRAMS

DIVISION: MHPSS

SUPERVISOR: SUB-OFFICE COORDINATOR

LOCATION: NAIROBI

START DATE: 26^TH AUGUST 2024

END DATE: 14^TH SEPTEMBER 2024 (Renewable contract subject to availability of funds and performance)

GRADE: 5

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Kenya is seeking to recruit an MHPSS Associate who will be responsible for the direct provision of MHPSS services to refugees and asylum seekers in a timely and efficient manner. This position will also facilitate MHPSS capacity building activities for HIAS staff and key stakeholders. The MHPSS Associate responsibilities will also include conducting individual assessments, engaging in case management, and ensuring that individuals receive the proper level of care. The MHPSS Associate will be expected to track the impact of the assistance provided to all clients, and will work under the supervision of a Sub Office Coordinator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In close coordination with the MHPSS Officers, establish standard operating procedures for the provision of MHPSS support to refugees and asylum seekers.
• In close coordination with the MHPSS Officers, develop a brief assessment to identify emergency and vulnerable psychosocial needs.
• Provide culturally sensitive MHPSS support (both individual and group) to refugees and IDPs experiencing elevated distress, including children and youth, caregivers, and other vulnerable individuals,
• Conduct awareness about mental health and psychosocial services through evidence-based psychoeducation and skill building activities to HIAS and implementing partners.
• Support the community self-help groups and maintain networks with existing community structures and other partners for referral and networking purposes.
• In coordination with the MHPSS Officers, develop linkages with other service providers to promote quality referral pathways; establish appropriate referral mechanisms and ensure appropriate follow-up is provided for vulnerable individuals.
• In coordination with the MHPSS Officers, provide crisis assessment, intervention and support to HIAS and implementing partners.
• Ensure compliance with case management and reporting requirements, including data protection, and safeguarding principles.
• Support in identifying training needs and ensuring appropriate training is provided for frontline HIAS and implementing partners’ staff.
• Promote mental health and psychosocial support within affected communities through using appropriate technical tools, training, leaflets, guidelines, and other relevant materials.
• Assess, identify, and analyze community sensitive intervention geared towards building resilience and self-reliance.
• Provide periodic reports on MHPSS services and clients’ progress.
• Provide input for the review of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service interventions.
• Other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Community Development, Development Studies, or a related subject
• Minimum of 1-2 years working in MHPSS programming; preference for candidates who have previous experience with direct service provision to vulnerable refugee and migrant populations in emergency setting.
• Demonstrated experience with operationalizing MHPSS Global standards and principles, including knowledge of IASC and other international humanitarian standards for MHPSS programming.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients.
• Experience in capacity building including facilitation of diversity and inclusion, community-based training and awareness raising.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills required.
• Responsible, Professional and with Integrity
• Ability to work with people from different culture settings.
• Ability to work effectively with teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office
• Ability to maintain one’s composure while under pressure.
• Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Population.
• Knowledge of PSEA and Anti-Fraud.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome •

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice •

We Pursue Justice

Empathy •

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership •

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage •

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience •

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience