Community Based-MHPSS Assistant

Position name: Community Based MHPSS Assistant (Male Candidates Only)

Duty station: Erbil city, urban areas refugees living in, and Protection Assistance and Reintegration Centre (PARC) in Baherka, Other stations as required.

Reporting to: PSS team / CB MPHSS Team leader

Summary of Position:

Provides community based mental health and psychosocial support services to individuals and communities affected by conflict, disaster, or other traumatic events. They work as part of a team led by a community-based MHPSS Team Leader, and are responsible for delivering services, raising awareness, and building relationships with the communities they serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide community based mental health and psychosocial support services to individuals and communities affected by conflict, disaster, or other traumatic events.
• Assist in the assessment of mental health and psychosocial support needs in the community, using appropriate tools and methodologies to gather data and information.
• Implement community awareness raising and mobilization activities to increase understanding of mental health and psychosocial support, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behaviours.
• Strengthen community-based committees and support them in advocating for MHPSS services and resources.
• Share information on MHPSS services and resources with community members and key stakeholders, using appropriate channels and strategies to ensure maximum reach and impact.
• Assist in developing and implementing MHPSS activities in the community, including psychological first aid, counselling, and referrals to specialized services.
• Support the work of the MHPSS Team Leader in coordinating with other agencies and actors involved in response to ensure that MHPSS activities are integrated into broader humanitarian interventions.
• Monitor and evaluate community based MHPSS activities and report on progress, challenges, and lessons learned, using appropriate indicators and tools to measure impact and effectiveness.
• Work closely with communities and other stakeholders to ensure that MHPSS interventions are culturally appropriate, relevant, and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of beneficiaries: Ensure the safety and well-being of beneficiaries during activities, including adherence to PSEA and other safeguarding policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field, with a focus on mental health and psychosocial support.
• At least 2 years of experience in providing mental health and psychosocial support services in emergency or humanitarian contexts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community based mental health and psychosocial support principles, international guidelines, and best practices in humanitarian response.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with communities, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Fluent in Arabic and Kurdish (written and spoken); knowledge of other languages relevant to the humanitarian context is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.