Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Area Coordinator

About the position:

Americares Philippines Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Project in Northern Cebu covers three municipalities or areas.

The MHPSS Area Coordinator task includes capacity building activities for local health workers such as the conduct of training on mhGAP and psychosocial interventions and the standardization of processes in managing MHPSS patients. It also includes the training, follow up and mobilization of Barangay Health Workers for mental health activities at the community level and strengthening of support groups for patients and their families. Advocacy for greater involvement of LGUs on MHPSS is also included. The Area Coordinator shall collaborate with the Local Government Units and the Department of Health.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Project Implementation

• Organize and conduct training for (Rural Health Unit) RHU personnel on mhGAP, community-based mental health and psychosocial interventions
• Facilitate logistical support to the RHU and (Barangay Health Station) BHSs including art materials, medicines and the like
• Act as resource person and facilitator of training activities conducted by the project
• Assess patients referred by community members / LGU health workers to the Center and refer them to appropriate health professionals/facilities for proper treatment
• Provide psychological first aid to people in crisis and link them to appropriate agencies for assistance

1. Capacity Building

• Orient and ensure compliance of the RHU personnel and (Barangay Health Workers) BHWs on the new process flows and clinical guidelines
• Train and supervise the MHPSS Focal Person of the municipality and other LGU health workers in the operation of the MHPSS Center and in conduct of specific interventions
• Educate BHWs, families and carers of patients on the care and support for mental health patients including available resources

1. Partnership Building

• Coordinate the training and other project implementation activities with the (Local Government Unit) LGU and (Municipal Health Officer) MHO

1. Project Management

• Participate in advocacy activities of the project including the dissemination of selection criteria for Mental Health Awards and follow up of resolution/ordinance and MoA with the local governments
• Maintain records of patients assessed, treated and referred including activities undertaken
• Document and share lessons learned, best practices and success stories in the area of assignment to various stakeholders
• Submit a monthly report of accomplishment to the Project Coordinator and collect/follow up reports from the BHWs and RHU in their assigned municipalities

1. Community Engagement

• Strengthen the support groups for patients and their families and ensure conduct of regular meetings

1. Others

• Perform other related tasks that may be assigned from time to time

We’d love to hear from you if…

• A graduate of a bachelor’s degree in the health science (nursing, psychology, or social work) with at least two (2) years experience on mental health program
• Strong understanding of cultural competency with the target population.
• Ability to perform tasks based on the project’s Theory of Change (TOC) and objectives.
• Computer literacy: MS Office, Zoom, Teams and other LMS related resources etc.
• Effective command of English and Filipino language. Knowledge of Cebuano / Bisaya Language is a plus.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of Americares, and quality improvement
• Works independently with minimum supervision

THIS IS FOR FILIPINO NATIONAL ONLY!