Job Title: Mental Health Officer
Organization Overview:
Our organization addresses some of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, assisting individuals affected by crises, including the climate crisis, to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, we operate in over 50 countries, creating lasting impacts by providing healthcare, supporting children’s education, and empowering individuals and communities towards self-sufficiency. We are particularly focused on addressing the inequalities faced by women and girls.
Context:
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to escalate. Venezuelans are grappling with hyperinflation, making basic goods and services, including healthcare and food, increasingly inaccessible. Medical supply shortages hinder the diagnosis and treatment of communicable diseases and reproductive health needs. Food scarcity has led to widespread hunger and malnutrition, prompting over three million Venezuelans to seek goods and services in neighboring countries between 2015 and 2018.
Our organization provides emergency response services in Zulia, Lara, Falcón, Táchira, and Apure, collaborating with Venezuelan civil society organizations to deliver essential services to vulnerable populations. These services include Primary Health Care (PHC), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Nutrition and Mental Health (MHPSS), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response, Child Protection, Emergency Education, Food Security, and Livelihoods. This strategic approach enables us to provide vital care to those in need in Venezuela, aligning with our commitment to strengthen localization and empower national actors.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a Mental Health Officer for our operations in Táchira and Apure. The successful candidate will support mental health and psychosocial support activities in collaboration with local partners. Responsibilities include overseeing clinical activities, ensuring the provision of high-quality health services in line with the logical framework, work schedule, and budget plan, and providing training to clinical staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical support in mental health and psychosocial activities to partners across various states, emphasizing efficient and effective implementation.
- Assist in coordinating health training and evaluations at project initiation and completion (if applicable).
- Ensure the integration of MHPSS into programs and sectors such as PHC, SRH, Nutrition, and Protection.
- Analyze mental health data from MHPSS projects and prepare reports.
Main Duties:
- Ensure the effective execution of quality MHPSS programs aligned with approved donor project plans and international standards.
- Conduct assessments of mental health needs among clients to develop action plans for MHPSS within the Country Program strategy.
- Lead final or annual evaluations to assess the quality of MHPSS implementation and integration.
- Co-manage the MHPSS program budget across multiple projects in collaboration with health coordination and finance departments.
- Actively participate in the development of new projects and proposals relevant to MHPSS.
- Collaborate on program work plans with health coordination and team members to align efforts and maximize impact.
- Conduct regular supervisory visits to project locations to ensure compliance with protocols and guidelines.
- Supervise MHPSS program staff and ensure continuous capacity development and performance reviews.
- Facilitate training courses and workshops, including logistical organization and documentation of program indicators.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Clinical Psychology (registered with the Public Registry and Ministry of Higher Education) and certification from the Venezuelan Federation of Psychologists.
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in individual, group, and community clinical care.
- Experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in MHPSS, is desirable.
- Familiarity with community-based mental health strategies established by the IASC in humanitarian contexts.
- Knowledge of evidence-based psychological interventions (e.g., CBT, IPT, EMDR) is preferred.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to produce reports and work collaboratively in a team.
Work Environment:
- Dynamic work setting with potential geographical mobility as the program evolves.
- Frequent travel may be required.
Professional Standards:
All staff are expected to adhere to the organization’s professional conduct standards and policies regarding beneficiary protection, child safeguarding, workplace harassment, and financial integrity.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are committed to gender equality and consider all applicants based on merit, regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through our application portal.
