Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist(Psychologist)

DRC Poland is looking for a qualified, enthusiastic, and professional Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist (Psychologist) to be part of our team in Przemysl. The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC is implementing a multi-sector response to support Ukraine refugees, IDPs, and host populations both within Ukraine and the neighboring countries of Poland, Romania and Moldova, and wider Europe.

Due to the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022, DRC opened offices in Poland, Moldova, and Romania to provide support to the displaced population in partnership with civil society organizations and national NGOs, duty bearers, and other actors. DRC continues to implement in these three countries through partnerships, technical assistance and capacity exchange, and direct implementation in some cases.

About the Job

Reporting to the Area Protection Manager and, under the technical guidance of the Protection Manager Poland, the MHPSS Specialist will provide MHPSS technical guidance and team supervision in Przemyśl, Medyka and Rzeszow and all supported shelters. S/he will support quality orientation and implementation of the MHPSS component of the protection activities at the Blue Dots, Protection Hub and mobile outreach.

Case Management and MHPSS Technical Guidance

• Support MHPSS Officers to provide a clinical assessment on identified cases of persons at risk and develop tailored action plans for psychological support.
• Provide quality control and monitoring to ensure that services provided are in accordance with IASC standards.
• In close collaboration with MHPSS Officers, provide tailored psychological support to most critical cases identified by DRC and local partners, promoting an integrated and holistic survivor-centered and/or child -friendly approach.
• Identify cases requiring psychiatric mental health services and make referrals to appropriate actors. Coordinate with service providers to adapt the therapeutic plan of the client accordingly.
• Report, produce and maintain accurate records and follow-up of action plans of the protection cases in line with relevant standards of data protection in case management.

Capacity Building in MHPSS

• Ensure the quality of DRC service provision in mental health and psychosocial support by developing technical guidance.
• Strengthen the competencies of DRC’s Protection team on basic mental health support, identification of symptoms, etc., through conducting capacity-needs assessments, delivery of training and on-the-job coaching.

Strategic Guidance on Project Design and Adaptation to the Needs

• Develop and undertake needs assessments to inform program design and strategic direction. Conduct frequent rapid needs assessment of the situation in the event of emergency in collaboration with other stakeholders to address related problems.
• Identify priorities and technically assist the project in terms of MHPSS.

External Coordination and Representation

• Explore new partnerships in coordination with the Partnership team.
• Work closely with the Team Leader and the Area Protection Project Manager to develop meaningful collaboration with external partners for referrals.
• Participate in coordination meetings and MHPSS working groups.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting

• Develop program monitoring tools for the MHPSS component in coordination with MEAL and IM team.
• Ensure program monitoring as per expected outputs and outcomes.
• Continuously update project documentation and files.

Staff Care

• Contribute to strengthening DRC staff care and wellbeing by identifying gaps and providing psychological support sessions to Protection Assistants and Protection Officers when needed.

About You

To be successful in this position we expect you to have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in similar positions, in particular working with people at heightened risk. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Licensed Psychologist and a Master´s Degree in Clinical Psychology.
• Demonstrated strong experience working with vulnerable clients, preferably including survivors of GBV and victims of child abuse.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing MHPSS activities and MHPSS teams.
• Understanding of official protection mechanisms and referral pathways.
• Familiarity with IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Setting.
• Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player.
• Problem solving, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to produce reports for internal and external use.
• Fluency in Polish and/or Ukrainian language is a must (fluency in both is highly desirable)
• Fluent in English.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values

We Offer

Contract Type: National Contract

Contract length: until 31st December 2023, with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funding.

Band: Non-Management, G

Base salary range: from 17,230 - 19,980 PLN gross per month, based on experience.

Duty base: Przemysl with frequent visits to field locations (Rzeszów, Medyka and as per need)

Start date: March 2023

We offer a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.

Application Process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

All applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in Poland without visa sponsorship or be EU/EFTA/Ukrainian citizens.

Closing date for applications: March 2nd, 2023

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, and we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.