Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer

ROLE SUMMARY AND PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

Working under the supervision of the Project Medical Referent and with technical guidance from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Manager for Nigeria, the MHPSS OFFICER will report to the MHPSS Supervisor. This role will oversee ALIMA's MHPSS interventions for project beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities:


Incorporate MHPSS into various health units including SRH, SGBV/GBV, malnutrition, and emergency response efforts such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
Perform individual needs assessments to diagnose psychological disorders and determine appropriate treatment and therapy plans.
Evaluate patients' mental health needs, establish diagnoses, and develop treatment plans following WHO MHGAP approach and ALIMA case management protocols. Refer cases to other health professionals when necessary to ensure optimal care and improve patient outcomes.
Deliver psychological support and psychotherapy sessions (individual, family, group) to beneficiaries in need, adhering to ALIMA, MHGAP, and other standard protocols to enhance their psycho-social and mental health conditions.
Provide assistance to cases with identified mental or emotional disorders, whether referred internally or externally.
Record case progress, maintaining strict confidentiality and consent protocols, and ensure compliance with data protection guidelines.
Contribute to capacity building for ALIMA teams to enhance technical proficiency and improve referral processes across units.
Conduct training sessions for internal staff and communities on psychological first aid (PFA).
Support capacity building initiatives for caregivers, particularly in child psycho stimulation programs, and collaborate closely with health promoters.
Enhance community-based psychosocial support and peer support group activities, adhering to established protocols and procedures to ensure appropriate management.
Execute all tasks in accordance with key protection principles, including but not limited to: do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality, accountability, and need-to-know principles.
Assist in organizing events such as World Mental Health Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Collaborate with health promoters, community mobilizers, and community leaders to coordinate, organize, and promote MHPSS/SGBV activities in designated areas.
Develop and conduct psychoeducation sessions.
Maintain close coordination with MHPSS senior management and focal points regarding field-related issues, identifying challenges, gaps, and providing necessary information to improve activity implementation.
Submit monthly reports and complete weekly data collection sheets for the MHPSS supervisor.
Promptly report any concerning issues to the direct supervisor.
Perform additional duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES


Bachelor's degree or equivalent in social work, mental health, psychology, or related fields.
Minimum of 2 years specialized experience in community-based psychosocial support interventions, particularly related to social norms change.
Experience with international medical NGOs is advantageous.
At least 2 years of experience in a similar position.
Proven counselling skills.
Proficient in MS Office package, especially Excel & Word.
Languages: Fluent in English (oral & written) is mandatory; knowledge of local languages such as Hausa is beneficial.


PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES


Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork abilities.
Strong communication skills.
Capacity to work independently and adapt to changing needs and situations.
Flexibility, patience, and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
Ability to perform under pressure and meet multiple deadlines.


WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE FEMALE CANDIDATES TO APPLY


For application instructions, please refer to the provided method of application.