Mental Health and Psychosocial Support worker (MHPSS)

Medical Teams International responds to the Syrian crisis in Lebanon by operating in informal settlements located in Central and West Bekaa. Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the  MHPSS worker will be responsible for implementing activities related to case management, targeting highly vulnerable children and families including refugees and host- communities, improving their mental and psychological status. 

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Prepare and conduct awareness sessions on mental health disorders among the Syrian refugee community and the host population.
• Participate in the mental health task force meetings
• Train Senior Refugee Outreach Volunteers (SROVs) to identify detect and refer mental health cases
• Train Senior Refugee Outreach Volunteers (SROVs) on psychosocial first aid
• Train Senior Refugee Outreach Volunteers (SROVs) on different 
• Conduct psychosocial support sessions to different groups of Syrian communities within MTI’s areas of operation.
• Identify and refer cases and ensure action points are carried out within the agreed timeframe.
• Coordinate with relevant agencies, bodies, and authorities – reporting information back to the Program Manager and team.
• Stay up to date with industry and Lebanese standards and best practice for MPHSS, disseminating as needed.
• Submit weekly and monthly reports concerning implemented activities, case observation and identification, referrals, and related challenges.
• Maintain files, computer databases, and records in soft and hard copies.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Plan events for the department as needed
• Develop a mental health curriculum and booklets
•  Respond to any emergency situation as assigned (outbreaks, floods..etc)
• Conduct surveys as needed (KPC survey, barrier analysis...etc)
• Attend training sessions and capacity building workshops provided by MTI and other INGOs
•  Attend meetings recommended by the program manager.
• Report any needs to the Program Manager and his/her assistant
• Establish relationships with other partners
•  Additional tasks will be required.

 EDUCATION, LICENSES, & CERTIFICATIONS

Clinical Psychology degree and license to practice plus M2

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in a similar field.
• Previous working experience with INGO/NGO 

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE:

• Basic computer skills
• Excellent Knowledge of Microsoft Office including word, excel, PowerPoint, drive, and outlook
• Good knowledge of the Syrian situation and well response is considered a strong asset.
• Fluent in both written and spoken Arabic and English

SKILLS:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Able to express ideas in written form; editing; revising; reporting
• Precise and logically written material
• Prepare, develop, and give training both for technical and lay audiences 
• Organize and present ideas effectively for both formal and spontaneous speeches 
• Participate in group discussions with various stakeholders
• Identify reasonable standards for assessing the appropriateness of an action
• Basic safety and security  skills 

ABILITIES:

• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Ability to embrace and promote MTI’s mission and vision
• Ability to uphold and exemplify the organization’s core values
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner to donors, volunteers, and the public
• Ability to listen well to different groups of the communities
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

• The employee will work 80% of the time in the informal settlements which will include walking distances, standing to conduct training, sitting to listen, and the ability to interact with people of all kinds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
•  It requires strong body language skills that can be used to persuade people about behavioral change methods. 

Working Conditions

• This job encourages employees to work as a team-based out of MTI’s Zahle office as much as the job allows, providing space for collaboration and learning
•   The employee should be well dressed in a way that fits the field environment and is obligated to wear MTI special uniform (vest, t-shirts, ID...etc)
• This job encourages employees to work as a team and requires team spirit.

NOTE:  The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position.  Duties, responsibilities, and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department, or organization