MHPSS Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Ukraine is seeking to recruit 12 MHPSS Associates. The MHPSS Associates will be responsible for the direct provision of MHPSS services to refugees and IDPs in a timely and efficient manner. These positions will also facilitate MHPSS capacity building activities for HIAS staff and key stakeholders. The MHPSS Associate’s responsibilities will also include conducting individual assessments, engaging in case management, and ensuring that individuals receive the proper level of care. MHPSS Associates will be expected to track the impact of the assistance provided to all clients and will work under the supervision of a MHPSS officer. Applicants must have an existing permit to live and work in Ukraine.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In close coordination with the MHPSS officer, establish standard operating procedures for the provision of MHPSS support to refugees and IDPs.
• In close coordination with the MHPSS officer, develop a brief assessment to identify emergency 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.
• Provide culturally sensitive PSS and positive parenting skills for parents and caregivers.
• Conduct awareness about mental health and psychosocial services through evidenced based psychoeducation and skill building activities to HIAS and implementing partner.
• 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 officer, 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 officer, 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 ensure appropriate training provided for frontline HIAS and implementing partner’s staff.
• Promoting 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 MHPS services and client’s 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 degree in psychology, sociology, social work, anthropology, or a related subject
• Minimum of 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.
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian/Russian.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office.
• Applicants must have an existing permit to live and work in Ukraine

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 HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

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 • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults, and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse, or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personal. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.