Senior Psychosocial Support Officer

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). The Senior PSS Officer (SPSSO) position serves a crucial role on the MHPSS team providing leadership over PSS activities.  SPSSO is responsible to prepare and delivering and oversee groups, child programming, awareness and workshop activities that will support staff and beneficiary increase understanding about health and develop positive resiliency skills. SPSSO 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 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 MHPSS team

4- Help beneficiaries 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

10- Facilitate beneficiary assessments to determine appropriateness for participation in group activities

11- Work with Program Manager to ensure support groups, skills groups, child programming, awareness and workshops are effectively supporting beneficiaries to increase psychoeducation and help them develop positive coping skills

12- Work with the Program Manager to provide effective case management to beneficiaries, review progress and develop curriculum

13- Carry out regular psychological beneficiary case management via phone, and home visits as needed

14- Lead support groups and other mental health related trainings and workshops as necessary.

Skills Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritan’s Purse’s code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritan’s Purse’s 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 on 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

– More than two-years’ experience working in MHPSS program

– Minimum of 1 year providing Case Management experience for MHPSS related activities 

– Previous experience offering child related programing

– Females are encouraged to apply

LANGUAGE

– Arabic

– Shingali Kurdish (required)

– English (medium proficiency required)

To apply for this position, please click here.