Job Title: Temporary MHPSS Officer, HIAS Kenya

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Kenya is seeking to recruit a Temporary Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer to support the implementation of MHPSS activities in Kenya to improve access to appropriate PSS care and strengthened protective environments for conflict-affected individuals and communities. The position holder will be mainly responsible for carrying out MHPSS activities on a day-to-day basis in project implementation locations such as, HIAS field offices communal centers, community facilities, and remotely. The position holder will also expect to document daily service data, observations, and best practices of HIAS’ and implementing partners’ emergency MHPSS responses activities to reinforce existing community systems and PSS within a multi-sectoral response system MHPSS programming. The MHPSS Officer will report to the Sub Office Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establish standard operating procedures for the provision of MHPSS support to refugees/asylum seekers.
• In coordination with protection colleagues, develop a brief assessment as part of intake to determine emergency needs.
• Ensure community-based approaches are applied in MHPSS programming and communities considered as key stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing technical support and Psychosocial (PSS) supervision to support HIAS staff and partners, including basic training on Doing What Matters in Times of Stress and Self Help Plus – SH+
• Provide and facilitate an integrated, up-to-date, and individualized, group and family MHPSS interventions.
• Facilitate positive parenting skills for parents and caregivers of vulnerable refugees supported by HIAS and implementing partners.
• Ensure coordination and ensure timely support provision for local organizations to integrate basic PSS support and linkage into inter-sectoral referral pathways.
• Develop culturally appropriate psychosocial activities, including social support and group activities.
• Provide capacity building on MHPSS guidelines and standards, PSS, Psychological First Aid (PFA), safeguarding, protection principles, Do No Harm approaches, and Core Humanitarian Standards training offered for HIAS staff, the staff of implementing partners, and key members of the community.
• Support and contribute to the development of monitoring tools for MHPSS interventions to support quality programming in compliance with international standards.
• Participate and contribute to the development of appropriate Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material to support the training and program implementation for MHPSS interventions and review existing IEC materials to ensure that MHPSS aspects are included in health and protection response and prevention messaging.
• Contribute to the development of HIAS’ MHPSS operational strategy as well as the design of new relevant MHPSS interventions in Kenya tailored to the identified MHPSS needs and in compliance with the HIAS’ MHPSS intervention theory of change and existing best practices and global standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between HIAS and local partners in the inter-agency, multi-sectoral technical working groups and MHPSS services related matters.
• Coordinate with HIAS partners and local organizations to create linkages for refugees for promotion of quality referral pathways, strengthening MHPSS services and ensuring their integration of MHPSS concerns to different sectors.
• Provide inputs to regular progress reports and Situation Reports as well as perform other activities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• A degree in psychology, counselling or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 2 years working in MHPSS programming; preference for candidates who have previous experience with direct service provision to vulnerable refugees and migrant populations in emergency setting.
• Demonstrated experience with operationalizing MHPSS Global standards and principles, including knowledge of IASC and other international humanitarian standards for MHPSS programming.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients.
• Experience in capacity building including facilitation of diversity and inclusion, community-based training and awareness raising.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Responsible, Professional and with Integrity.
• Ability to work with people from different culture settings.
• Ability to work effectively with teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially refugees or asylum seekers.
• Knowledge on Computer; Ms-Office, Email and Internet.
• Knowledge on Accountability to Affected Populations.
• Knowledge on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • הכנסתאורחים (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • צדק (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • חסד (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • חברותא (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • אומץ (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • רוח (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.