MHPSS Specialist (National, Roster Position)

PROGRAM BACKGROUNDInternational Medical Corps IMC) is a global, humanitarian, non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, non-political, non-sectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.In the Philippines, IMC has supported communities affected by natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruption and floods. Its interventions have included emergency medical care, nutrition in emergency, distribution of hygiene kits and non-food items, and rehabilitation of damaged health facilities. IMC’s work emphasizes rapid response, resilience building, and close collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to ensure aid reaches those most in need.The MHPSS Specialist is a roster position for national staff only. Candidates applying to this position are indicating that they are interested in being considered for International Medical Corps’ standby roster for emergency response in the Philippines and be ready for deployment within 48 hours. Roster members will be contacted only when there is an emergency-response need for which the responder is qualified. This position will not be compensated unless responders are deployed to an emergency responsePURPOSE OF THE POSITIONThe Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing the technical components of the MHPSS intervention. International Medical Corps’ approach to mental health is heavily based on training and developing the capacity of local partners and national staff; the successful candidate should therefore have experience in training, on the job supervision and mentoring, coordination and in building referral links to other formal service providers and informal community supports. The MHPSS Specialist will train, supervise, coordinate and oversee a national team of mental health officers and a team of community outreach volunteers who will engage in outreach, follow-up and basic mental health and psychosocial support. The MHPSS Specialist will closely work and coordinate with Program Manager to implement MHPSS related activities including training and supervising general health care providers in mental health using mhGAP Intervention Guidelines.MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIESTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation* As part of the disaster preparedness activities, train EMT members from Rural Health Units (RHU), village health workers or village social in selected municipalities and IMC staff in the Philippines on basic mental health care and emotional support and other relevant MHPSS topics needed in emergency settings (e.g. psychological first aid). * Provide mental health and psychosocial support services along with EMT members during emergency response. * Implement social and recreational activities (e.g. youth friendly activities) in evacuation or temporary shelters. * Engage trained EMT members and volunteers in on the job mentoring and supervision * Actively participate in MHPSS coordination mechanisms in the disaster-affected area (e.g. MHPSS sub-cluster or TWG). * Support collection and reporting of mental health project data, including if relevant, the HMIS reporting and patient outcomes (e.g. functioning, satisfaction with services) in collaboration with M & E Officer. * As needed, assist in the development of new proposals in MHPSS and hiring of new staff. * Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines and closely coordinate with IMC’s Technical Unit Global Mental Health Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports.EDUCATION & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS* The qualified candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with 2+ years’ experience working on MHPSS programs, preferably in humanitarian settings * Training and clinical supervision practice and experience required * Knowledgeable in and experience following IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergencies and international best practices on the integration of MHPSS into primary health care settings * Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of responses to pre-existing and emergency-induced MHPSS needs * Training experience required; capacity and proven track record in national staff and partner training and capacity-building * Strong organizational and supervisory skills * Honest, hardworking and self-motivated * Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments * Strong written and communication skills * Ability to work within a team structure or independently, flexible, and can cope with stressful workloadEthical Conduct at International Medical CorpsAs part of a global, humanitarian team dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering, and building self-reliance, International Medical Corps staff are responsible for adhering to our Code of Conduct and Ethics and for knowing and abiding by International Medical Corps policies and standards. All staff play a vital role in preventing violations of our Code of Conduct and Ethics, including conflicts of interest, fraud, corruption, and any kind of exploitation or abuse. International Medical Corps is also committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment free of harassment, bullying, and other misconduct, enabling staff to build and maintain professional, respectful working relationships.International Medical Corps prioritizes safeguarding the populations with whom we work from exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children and adults at risk, and/or any form of trafficking in persons. International Medical Corps is committed to engaging members of crisis-affected communities to participate in meaningful ways in a crisis response, including making informed decisions about the assistance they receive, mitigating potential risks, and holding us accountable for the commitments we make. All staff are expected to support International Medical Corps’ culture of accountability toward our stakeholders, particularly the crisis-affected communities and individuals we serve.As part of International Medical Corps’ commitment to a speak-up culture and as one of the primary ways we collectively hold ourselves accountable for complying with the ethical principles and standards of conduct outlined in the Code of Conduct and Ethics, all staffare required to report suspected or actual misconduct or violations of organizational policies. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy prohibit any form of retaliation against whistleblowers or individuals who report a concern in good faith. Staff who violate these protections may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contractual relationship with International Medical Corps.Equal OpportunitiesInternational Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.HOW TO APPLYHow to applyOnly applicants who are eligible to work in the Philippines without employer provided sponsorship are eligible for this position. Applicants who are available to start immediately may be considered earlier in the selection process. The organization reserves the right to close this posting at any time at its discretion. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.Please send your CVs to Michelle Spicer, HR Officer: @ [email protected]