MHPSS Associate (Social Worker), HIAS Greece

Position Summary: –

HIAS Greece seeks an experienced MHPSS Associate to join the MHPSS team in Athens.

The MHPSS Associate is expected to provide technical services to vulnerable migrants and refugees to ensure they have improved psychosocial well-being by accessing all the appropriate services and information. This position will work within the framework of the IASC guidelines for mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings and Sphere standards. It reports to the MHPSS Coordinator.

Essential Functions

• Works within the framework of IASC guidelines for mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings and Sphere Standards. This includes specialized responses to survivors of sexual violence and survivors of torture.
• Assists in conducting a situational analysis of emergency and MHPSS needs of refugees and asylum seekers in Lesvos and Athens
• Provides technical support and liaises closely with a multidisciplinary team, including MHPSS and legal aid colleagues
• Conducts appointments with individuals and families in order to develop action plans and deliver direct service provision, referrals, and follow-ups for the legal team’s assigned cases.
• Offering information, support and advocacy to individuals and families, including escorting them, if necessary, to relevant services;
• Recommending the best course of action for a particular person or family based on their needs;
• Liaising with, and making referrals to other agencies and conducting follow-ups to assess progress;
• Updating mapping of services regularly, along with the MHPSS Coordinator
• Ensuring effective working relations with the Public Services and other actors related to the interventions;
• Participating in HIAS multidisciplinary teams, case conferences, representing HIAS in working groups, ad hoc workshops and thematic trainings when required;
• Communicating regularly with the MHPSS team and, if relevant, with other protection staff for updates on achievements and challenges;
• Participated in MHPSS training, supervision, and team meetings.
• Promotes the use of community-based approaches in response to mental health concerns;
• Drafts social testimonies of cases when necessary, according to policies and procedures;
• Updates general data and monitoring data in the corresponding files and the data systems in an accurate and timely manner;
• Ensures participation from clients in the implementation evaluation and feedback mechanisms for accountability.
• Participates in interagency committees for handling and monitoring cases
• Receive regular 1:1 meetings with MHPSS coordinator

Qualifications and Requirements:

• An advanced degree or higher in Social Work with knowledge of humanitarian issues, human rights, international development, public health, or another relevant field.

• Professional licence to practise social work in Greece;
• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in providing psychosocial support and case management to adult refugees and migrants.
• Demonstrated understanding of core MHPSS interventions utilized in emergency settings (e.g., WHO scalable mental health interventions, Psychological First Aid)
• Empowerment competencies, psychoeducation knowledge and PFA skills;

• Computer literacy skills.
• Familiarity with needs-based participatory approach; experience with engagement with communities
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative but also as a member of a team
• Proficiency in English and Greek, both written and oral

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE 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 Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

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. 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 personnel. 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 their understanding of these recruitment procedures.