Mental Health Officer

Accountabilities

• In close collaboration with other medical team members, identifying the needs of MH support in the target population and participating in the definition, planning, organization and update of the appropriate MSF strategy and the Mental Health (MH) activities and its budget. Monitoring and evaluating MH support activities.
• Reviewing and developing the technical materials, tools, guidelines and documents, and coordinating and ensuring the implementation of all Mental Health standard protocols and procedures set by MSF in order to provide the most appropriate treatment for patients.
• Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the HR department, the associated processes (recruitment, training/induction, briefing/debriefing, evaluation, potential detection, development and internal communication) of the staff under his/her responsibility in order to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required.
• Coordinating and ensuring that Mental Health activities (in and outside health facilities), with the clients are performed with regular follow-up in order to provide the most appropriate treatment for clients with psycho social problems. Ensuring Mental Health team is calm and neutral during sessions regardless of personal feelings and/or beliefs and that the translators are trained about terminology and appropriate behavior during sessions.
• Mapping and regularly updating the existing Mental Health services, including other INGO’s, local NGO’s, community groups and governmental health services, etc. and maintaining good and regular communication and collaboration with other components of the project according to objectives and context. Identifying possible advocacy issues and informing MC and PC before taking any action. (Note: Advocacy is not under Mental Health Activities Manager accountabilities)
• Ensuring in close collaboration with medical department, that MH department participates in counselling as well as Prevention Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) and Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VTC) activities when needed.
• Participating in monthly reports according to guidelines (SitRep, statistical report, etc.) and reporting problematic situations and cases with the Medical Coordinator to help with decision making and problem resolution.
• Ensuring that psychiatric patients coming to MSF facilities receive proper treatment including psychotropic medication and psychosocial support either within an MSF program or thru referral to an appropriate resource.

Requirements

Education

• Master's degree or equivalent in psychology with training relevant to clinical practice, specializing in clinical psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, psychopathology or related subject.
• Essential practice license from the country of residence.

Experience

• Essential working experience of at least 3 to 5 years as psychologist or other similar profession.
• Experience in the clinical supervision of others and treating trauma related problems.
• Experience in managing and training mental health workers.
• Working experience with MSF or other NGO sis highly desirable.
• Desirable working experience in developing countries.
• Experience managing a team.

Languages

• Essential English and / or French. Bilinguals (English and French) are highly desired.
• Proficiency in other languages (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese) is considered a plus.

Knowledge

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

General Skills

• Commitment to MSF's social mission and values.
• Good team spirit.
• Willingness to work in any type of context, including unstable areas.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural environment and demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, inclusive and non-discriminatory behaviors and attitudes
• Flexibility and resistance to stress.
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability and experience in training others, coaching and supervising.

Competencies

• People Management and Development
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation