MHPSS Officer: Health

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer (Only South Sudanese nationals to apply)

Under the supervision of the Child Protection Officer with technical support from the MHPSS Technical Specialist, the counsellor will help the Child Protection officer in implementing project activities, particularly MHPSS component that will include building the capacity of the CP team and direct services for individuals with mental health problems providing basic counselling and other interventions. The Health Programme is currently focused on delivery routine and supplementary immunization and respond to disease outbreaks. Maternal and New-born health services are provided through timely evidence-based care at the facility and community level: ANC, Skilled Birth Attendant, Post Natal Care, Family Planning, Integrated outreaches, PMTCT, CMR. Health and community workers to improved their capacity to provide flexible, integrated services for the management of common childhood illnesses to young children in targeted emergency and non-emergency settings, MHPSS and community based mechanisms for mobilization, awareness raising and engagements. The post holder will be working in the conflict and emergency affected communities to directly identify and register vulnerable, disable, separated, unaccompanied and missing children. He/she will also support community based PSS initiatives like Child Friendly Spaces, Child rights clubs and youth centres. The incumbent of this position represents Save the Children values and principles in interactions with staff and external audiences. These values and principles include commitment to the mission of Save the Children international, team orientation, quality management and leadership development, introducing systems and procedures to strengthen staff motivation and productivity. In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly. Identification and registration of psychosocial needs of beneficiaries based on the vulnerability criteria of the South Sudan PSS standard operating procedures (SOPs) Actively promote the availability of counselling services and carry out, individual or group counselling (psychological first aid (PFA) and psychosocial support (PSS), basic psychoeducational sessions to children, adolescents and caregivers/ families (when needed), in order to alleviate their psychosocial difficulties. Refer clients to other specialists or other institutions for further assistance, when necessary, in line with the available local referral pathways, to ensure effective and efficient case management process. Participate in the creation of any material needed for counselling activities and maintain and update. Keep files and statistics of daily activities and participate in team meetings to share experiences and discuss special cases with the supervisor respecting confidentiality, and or with MHPSS Technical Specialist.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Diploma in counselling, social sciences, social work, community development or any other MHPSS related training
• At least 2 years work experience in implementing mental health and psychosocial support programming.
• Very good written and spoken English, Local community (Dinka & Arabic) languages is a plus
• Excellent technical understanding of child protection and community based approached
• Computer knowledge
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Be able to prioritize tasks
• Able to operate in extremely harsh living and working environmen

Desirable

• Knowledge of the area, socio-culture and local language where the post is located as an added advantage
• Work experience with children and families, especially knowledge of child rights and participation
• Experience in community facilitation and mobilization
• Previous NGO experience, including an understanding of the neutral status of an international NGO.

Contract Duration: 3 Months

Location: Akobo West, South Sudan

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your Nationality ID, CV, cover letter and Academic Certificates with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at https://southsudan.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.