Mental Health Program Coordinator

Job Overview:

The IRC is establishing an initiative to improve the adjustment and resilience of people forcibly displaced from their home country and new to the community. The Mental Health Program Coordinator will serve five main functions:

• Provide specialized and intensive support as needed to IRC clients who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or safety concern.
• Coordinate with community partners to create referral pathways and partnership.
• Support Psychosocial Specialists who will be providing an identified evidence-based intervention with individuals and families.
• Provide consultation and technical support to IRC staff who need assistance with crisis and safety interventions.
• Build the capacity of internal and external stakeholders as it relates to supporting the mental health, adjustment, and resilience of newly arrived refugees, people forcibly displaced, and foreign national victims.

Major Responsibilities:

• Serve as the point person for the office in implementation of crisis pathway interventions for clients experiencing behavioral health concerns, interpersonal violence, substance use disorders and other related mental health issue.
• Enhance and sustain partnerships with community mental health agencies to expand available resources to clients.
• Support or provide intake and assessment to individuals and families.
• Coordinate care of waitlisted clients.
• Coordinate referrals to outside mental health services.
• Facilitate workshops or support groups to support the mental health, adjustment and resilience of IRC clients.
• Ensure follow-up care for clients of concern.
• Work with the local office and IRC national leadership to develop or refine mental health and crisis related protocols.
• Support and build the capacity of IRC staff to ensure they can effectively provide psychosocial support utilizing skills such as psychological first aid, de-escalation, empathetic listening.
• Support Mental Health Specialists to implement identified evidence-based interventions with individuals and families.
• Provide training and guidance to IRC staff on behavioral health and trauma-informed practice.
• Provide training on cultural humility and culturally responsive services to community mental health agencies.
• Document activities through case noting and data entry.
• Evaluate effectiveness of program related to client progress and individual service plan objectives.
• Monitor data quality and track program data
• Generate accurate and timely reports
• Complete established training and participate in weekly consultation and/or supervision.
• Follow all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency
• Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  Clinical Manager

Position directly supervises: N/A
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, mental health providers and systems

Job Requirements:

Language Skills:

• Fluency in English
• Bilingual in another language desired but not required

Work Experience:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in the mental health/social services sector

Education:

• Masters’ degree with a focus on mental health or social services required.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Experience in assessing and responding to mental health concerns including suicidal ideation and substance abuse
• Experience in assessing and responding to safety concerns including those related to abuse, neglect, exploitation and other issues related to interpersonal violence
• At least three years of meaningful work experience in therapy, social work or related field
• Experience in providing training, coaching, and/or supervision
• Knowledge of the mental health and social service system in the geographic area
• Experience working with refugees and immigrants strongly preferred; lived experience as a refugee or immigrant highly valued
• Strong understanding of trauma informed care and commitment to client centered, strengths based, and culturally appropriate services
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
• High level of energy, motivation, and dedication to continuously improve service delivery
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age
• Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• Must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment combined with community-based work. At times this position may also be remote depending on the COVID-19 context.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits.  In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.