Mental Health and Psychosocial Support – MHPSS Officer

About the Role

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer at JM Education and Research Centre plays a vital role in enhancing the mental well-being of adolescents within the community. This position focuses on the implementation of effective psychosocial support strategies and mental health interventions tailored to young people. In the initial months, you will engage with various stakeholders, including schools and health providers, to establish and strengthen support systems. The role emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that adolescents in need receive proper identification and referrals. Your contributions will directly impact the mental health landscape for youth, making a significant difference in their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and expertise on mental health and psychosocial support to ensure effective program delivery within the adolescent mental health framework.
• Collaborate with program teams to integrate mental health approaches into the educational settings, ensuring they are age-appropriate and culturally responsive.
• Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of program lessons learned, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and evidence generation.
• Conduct training sessions for teachers and school staff to enhance their capacity to recognize and respond to signs of distress in students.
• Develop and maintain a directory of mental health and referral services in the program areas, facilitating smooth connections between schools and external support systems.
• Implement safeguarding and ethical practices when managing disclosures related to mental health issues, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate action are taken.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, with a strong understanding of mental health issues affecting adolescents.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in mental health support or psychosocial programming, preferably within an educational context.
• Proficiency in developing training materials and facilitating capacity-building sessions for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, and community structures.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity towards the challenges faced by adolescents.

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable experience in a specialized field of mental health, enhancing your professional credibility and skill set.
• Opportunities to develop strong relationships with educators, health professionals, and community leaders, expanding your professional network.
• Hands-on experience in program planning and implementation, which can serve as a springboard for future career advancements in the health sector.
• Increased understanding of adolescent mental health challenges, equipping you with essential skills to make a positive impact in your community.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about making a difference in adolescent mental health, please submit your application through the following link: Apply here.