Mental Health Assistant

Job Summary

The Hope and Healing Program meets the physical and mental needs of vulnerable families in Sinjar through mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programming.

The Mental Health Assistant serves an important support role on the MHPSS team. This position will provide beneficiaries with psychosocial education, support beneficiaries with medication management and in making informed decisions about their mental health. The Mental Health Assistant will develop and maintain working relationships with medical clinics and mental health practitioners throughout the area to ensure beneficiaries have access to the services they need. Additional responsibilities may include leading skills and support groups and helping to plan and implement community events to increase awareness about mental health and wellness.

 

Job Duties

1- Serve staff and beneficiaries with creativity, kindness, and generosity

2- Translate mental health curriculums as needed

3- Complete administrative tasks for the mental health team

4- Help patients make informed decisions by acting as their advocate regarding their clinical status and treatment options

5- Coordinate and make referrals to other health care providers in the area for beneficiary care

6- Maintain beneficiaries files following standards. Ensure all information is kept confidential and clinical records and is kept securely

7- Produce statistical data and reports as requested

8- Assess and address motivational and psychosocial issues among individuals and in the community

9- Help with the implementation of regular community events

10a- Work with the Program Coordinator to manage a caseload that supports beneficiaries with medication management and improve understanding of mental health

10b- Support MHPSS team with implementation of beneficiary treatment plans

10c – With support of Program Coordinator will review case progress and determine appropriate timing for case closure

11a- Carry out regular beneficiary home visits

11b- Provide psychoeducation to beneficiaries and their families

12- Help lead skills and support groups and other mental health related trainings and workshops as necessary

Complete other activities as directed by the Line Manager and performing all other tasks and responsibilities assigned for the benefit of Samaritans Purse with a generous and serving spirit.

Skills Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritans Purses code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritans Purses statement of faith, as well as be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Attention to the needs of beneficiaries, detail, anticipation and follow up are core values of the job function while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality regarding mental health of beneficiary.
2. Experience working in the field (Snuni and surrounding villages) or in high stress situations.
3. Possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced environment.
4. Must be a self-starter and internally driven to success and hard work.
5. Possesses strong cross-cultural communication skills, both written and verbal.
6. Must be a humble team player.
7. Ability to be flexible and adaptable, taking on additional responsibilities as needed.
8. He/she must have analytical and report writing skills.
9. High level of integrity and stewardship.
10. Committed to the SP values and ethics.

 

Education / Experience Needed

– Bachelor’s Degree required. Degree in Nursing, Psychology, or related fields preferred

– 1 year MHPSS or Case Management experience required

 

LANGUAGE

– Arabic

– Shingali Kurdish (required)

– English (medium proficiency required)