Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist

 Location: Based in Kharkiv 

 Duration: 1 year

 Position Type: Full - time

 Start date: ASAP

 Report to: Program Coordinator, Kharkiv

 Who are we

LWF World Service is the internationally recognized humanitarian and development arm of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Today, World Service is a widely recognized, international organization present in over 20 countries. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, LWF World Service has established a humanitarian operation with the geographic focus on in Kharkiv Oblast and in the future also Sumy. 

Short summary of the position 

The purpose of the MHPSS Specialist work is to lead the implementation of a new UNICEF funded Strengthening MHPSS in Kharkiv's Educational System project, to manage the technical aspect of the project and to provide expertise on mental health and psychosocial issues. The specialist will oversee the implementation of the project, advise the project team, liaise with national and local authorities and relevant institutions.

 Job description, requirements, and skills 

ROLE AND REPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the UNICEF MHPSS project including the planning, execution, monitoring and reporting, and closure of the project with the support of relevant staff members.  
• Develops and implement a psychosocial system for the project including the elaboration of evidence-based assessment mechanisms, the organization of group work, workshop, peer support and mentorship programs. 
• Develops a protocol of training modules and materials for psychological services specialists. 
• Develops and implement Peer Support for parents.
• Organizes training of psychological service specialists and teachers on CBT-based "School - a Fortress of Resilience"
• Develops and implement an algorithm for supervision of psychological service specialists in the educational system.
• Supervises and collaborates with the Psychosocial Support Field Officer to elaborate and organizes education in emergency trainings for educators and school psychologists.
• Establishes and test a new system for referral and interagency cooperation. 
• Conducts in-depth assessment on MHPSS project in Kharkiv.
• Collaborates with the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to develop and implement data collection tools for ongoing monitoring.
• Liaises with the relevant local and national authorities, and the relevant institutions throughout the project cycle.
• Maintains effective working relationships with LWF partners, UNICEF and other UN/INGOs, Red Cross and relevant stakeholders including civil society groups, local authorities, etc.
• Ensure adherence to LWF policies related to Safeguarding and Code of Conduct.
• Ensure activities are recorded and documented accurately and in a timely manner.
• Collects and analyses data on Safeguarding risk factors in LWF operation, map out potential risk areas in community and recommend how to enhance prevention strategies.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

Education and experiences

• Master’s degree or Doctorate in related area.
• 5+ years of experience as a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatric, clinical social worker), preferably working in a humanitarian setting.
• Experience in training and clinical supervision.
• Experience in scientific publications or reports development.

Professional requirements

• Professional Experience, Knowledge & Understanding of PSEA, Child Safeguarding, CoC, Complaints Mechanism, and HR Manual. 
• Knowledge of the IASC guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency and knowledge of the current MHPSS governmental approaches and programs, including the New Ukrainian School Reform, the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program and the School – a Fortress of Resilience approach. 
• Fluent in English and Ukrainian.
• Commitment to learning and implementing LWF policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a flexible but organized and responsive manner under pressure and in stressful situations where priority setting is required.
• Ability to provide basic PFA services and trained in MHPSS practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and solution-focused approach to working relationships.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to deal with sensitive situations with integrity.
• Ensure LWF policies and procedures are understood and applied at all times.

Personal requirements

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including influencing and negotiation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of LWF staff and beneficiaries.
• Motivated, committed and with a willingness to take on additional duties.
• A commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and non-discriminatory approach.
• A commitment to working in a multi-cultural environment with staff and beneficiaries.
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
• Teamwork, Collaboration and Commitment to Continuous Learning

What we offer:

• Highly competitive salary for the right applicant.
• Paid business trips and secondments.
• Good working conditions in an international environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and self-development.
• Medical insurance for the position holder and his/her family.
• Remote work for necessary (under exceptional circumstances)
• 24 days of annual leave.

Deadline for application

How to apply

Send your CV and application letter to: to Отправить резюме , with copy to Отправить резюме

For more information on our organization, you can visit our website: www.lutheranworld.org

Note on the closing date for applications: The position is open now until it is filled. However, LWF will start interviewing perspective candidates upon receiving the applications. Therefore, all perspective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for the position at their earliest convenience.