GENERAL BACKGROUND

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified and motivated Mental Health Team Leader who will have the responsibility of providing direct mental health services to the refugees, asylum seekers and migrants (persons of concern – PoCs).

About the job

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been working in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1992 and closed its office in the country at the end of January 2010 after 18 years. In July 2018 DRC re-opened its mission responding to increasing and priority needs of Person of Concern (PoCs) in close cooperation with the BiH Authorities. More specifically DRC BiH focuses on improving the access to primary and secondary health care including psychosocial and mental health services to PoCs, as well as on enhancing the overall protective environment for PoCs, with particular focus on case management in SGBV, and timely outreach response to rights violations at the borders. DRC has main office in Sarajevo and activities implemented in Una-Sana, and Sarajevo Canton.

Position: Mental Health Team Leader

Duty Station: Sarajevo with frequent travel to Bihac

Start date: 15th February 2024.

Basic functions: The Mental Health Team Leader (MHTL) has the overall responsibility for managing and supervising DRC Mental Health activities in Sarajevo Canton and Una-Sana Canton. The MHTL will be responsible for the day-to-day staff management and their mental health-related activities while ensuring quality implementation and donor compliance. The MHTL will contribute to the development of DRC mental health care response relevant to health concerns of PoCs at Temporary Reception Centers (TRCs), out-of-site locations (outreach) and referrals to Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Secondary Healthcare (SHC)

Reference: Mental Health Team Leader refers to the Healthcare Manager working in close coordination with other DRC Medical Team Staff, as advised by the Medical Advisor.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

1. Program Support:

• Resolves directly and/or advocates for mental health needs of PoCs in TRCS and stranded at out-of-sites (outreach) in need of specialized psychiatric care, in close cooperation and strong co-ordination with health-related state and cantonal authorities (including relevant ministries) and local level institutions (Primary Health Centers, Clinics and Hospitals);
• In close collaboration with Healthcare Manager, coordinates and monitors mental health activities in the area of operations, supports other relevant organizations and partners in TRC and Outreach service provision;
• Provides support to DRC mental health team and psychiatrists working inside temporary reception centers, regarding psychotropic medication management, working hours, attendance list and other relevant tasks
• Actively monitors referrals through established pathways and SOPs;
• Ensures proper coordination with Secondary Healthcare Institutions (such as: Cantonal Hospital “Dr. Irfan Ljubijankic” Bihac, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Psychiatric Cantonal Hospital “Jagomir” and Center for Addiction Sarajevo, etc.) regarding the provision of specialized psychiatric services for PoCs, overseeing referrals from TRCs, PHCs and Outreach locations, and with relevant actors facilitates discharges from SHC;
• Identifies technical gaps in the program and identifies/implements solutions to address these gaps;
• Under the supervision of the Healthcare Manager, matches the invoices received from health institutions and prepares them for further steps in the validation chain;
• Ensures that all documentation under his/her responsibility is properly processed, managed and filed;
• In case of need, provides all services designated by ToR of the Psychologist
• Performs other duties within DRC BiH program upon requests given by Healthcare Manager;

1. Staff management

• In collaboration with the Healthcare Manager and under the advisory of the Medical Advisor, provides technical support, supervision, and guidance to the mental health team and ensures that staff adhere to professional standards and principles of health care, including Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS));
• Orients new staff to the DRC and the MH program, in addition to day-to-day management and supervision of the staff.
• Builds the capacity of the Psychologists and Translators-Cultural Mediators to improve their range of capabilities related to MH response activities
• Monitors staff working hours, completes performance review with staff and ensures respect of DRC Code of Conduct;

1. Grant Implementation and Reporting

• Ensures the implementation of MH response programming, including appropriate and timely spending plans of grants to achieve the objectives, reporting contributions, use and distribution of MH supplies, consumables, and assets necessary for the functioning of MH teams addressing the needs of PoCs;
• Ensures timely and accurate reporting of activities under his/her responsibility.

1. Sector meeting representation

• Actively participates in field-working groups and meetings (Health Working Group, CCCM, Interagency and Outreach Working Group, etc.);
• Organizes Working MHPSS groups in coordination with HCM and chair them

1. Staff care

• Organize staff care program and ensures DRC staff is timely informed
• Coordinates with consultants and ensure proper organization of staff care (organizing venues, monitor procurement process and invoices)

Qualifications & experience required

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology required, Master’s degree desired in Psychology
• Finished or in process of completing individual counseling (psychotherapy) practitioner certificate desired
• Managerial experience required
• Experience working in Psychiatry institution/ward or Addiction Centers desired
• Experience in refugee/migration related issues desired
• Experience in capacity building of staff including training and supervision desired

Work experience

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in clinical psychology
• Professional experience in NGO will be considered as advantage

Key Competencies

• Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player;
• Problem solving, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to produce reports for internal and external use;
• Fluency in spoken and written in BCS languages (Bosnian(Croatian/Serbian) and English
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel);
• Valid driving license, high level of professionalism evidence by clear driver’s record;

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.