MHPSS Psychosocial Worker

Project Context and Scope
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has increased the country’s mental health and psychosocial support needs, adding to the distressing conditions caused by the war, which escalated in February 2022  and a strained health system. As efforts towards, recovery and resilience progress further, MHPSS will continue to become a priority need for Ukrainians in the aftermath of the humanitarian emergency. In response, IOM is expanding its efforts in Ukraine through the comprehensive community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) approach. This programme will adhere to IOM's global MHPSS standards, as specified in the manual on community-based mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies and displacement. It involves the support of local initiatives and territorial communities in provision of the community-based MHPSS services. This will help hromada level recovery and supporting particularly vulnerable groups in the community. The aim is to enhance community and family resilience, helping them to better cope with the distressing situations brought about by the crisis. The programme will also contribute to preparedness efforts in case of any future emergency situation.

IOM Community Based MHPSS programmes use standardized approaches implemented by psychosocial mobile teams. These teams provide community-based services, leveraging the diverse expertise, cultural competencies, and professional skills of their members. PMTs offer flexible programming, outreach, and close proximity to communities during various displacement phases. They make services more accessible for women, persons with disabilities, older adults, large families, and others who may have difficulty traveling to facilities. 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
3R (Response, Resilience and Recovery) Unit, (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) Tasks to be performed under this contract

The MHPSS Psychosocial Worker is a member of the PMT tasked with social support, including referral to additional services and social support organizations, the organization of capacity building sessions, sensitization sessions, awareness sessions, the organization and promotion of cultural, socializing, sport and recreational activities. Tasks to be performed under this contract:

1. Collaborate with the Senior MHPSS Associate and other team members to integrate mental health and psychosocial support considerations in community-based activities, following the full spectrum of the IASC intervention pyramid.
2. Provide individual and group counselling to the affected population when needed.
3. Perform other duties as may be assigned.
4. Conduct training sessions on Psychological First Aid (PFA), stress management, team building, conflict management, communication skills, and community-based approaches in MHPSS, based on needs, for humanitarian actors, community focal points, volunteers, and IOM Ukraine team members.
5. Support the strengthening of social networks and organizing support groups, discussion forums participatory cultural and recreational initiatives, such as arts, music, sports, and storytelling, are key strategies to enhance community psychosocial well-being.
6. Develop and disseminate awareness messages and campaigns, psychoeducation sessions related to mental health and psychosocial support, coordinating with team members to ensure effective communication.
7. Assist in conducting MHPSS needs and impact assessments, data collection surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and research in western Ukraine under the supervision of the Senior MHPSS Associate to support improved access to community-based psychosocial services and specialized mental health care.
8. Under the direction of program management, support the Senior MHPSS Associate in managing partnerships with local implementing partners. This includes liaising with partners to ensure the effective planning and coordination of community-based creative and cultural activities for diverse groups affected by the war, including IDPs and the local population.  
9. Implement MHPSS components of integrated MHPSS-Livelihoods programme (MLI) and MHPSS projects supporting Veterans, their families and families of fallen Veterans.
10. Undergo roving duty travel in Ukraine, with readiness to be regularly available for travel with short notice in case of emergency situations.
11. Proper reporting and data entry of activities in tracker sheets and proper documentation of the community-based activities as well as the use of proper donor visibility in coordination with the Senior MHPSS Associate.     Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
    • The successful implementation of the quarterly plan of action, reaching the target number of individuals and services outlines in the plan with the proper quality of service delivery in line with IOM guidelines.
    • The fulfillment of the time on the job required as indicated in the contract, which will be confirmed through a detailed time sheet.

      IOM Ukraine is looking for positive, attentive, responsible persons with previous experience in MHPSS work, community-based work, teamwork and in humanitarian interventions. . Candidates should be prepared for frequent travel across western oblasts and respond to emergencies as needed. Previous track record of innovative work and taking initiatives locally will be a strong asset.

      The Consultant should meet the following requirements:

      • Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Educational Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Sciences, Social Work, or a related field, with at least of 2 years of working experience.
      • Previous experience in mental health, social and protection activities in related areas of intervention is an advantage.
      • Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of people, including people of culturally diverse backgrounds.
      • Fluency in Ukrainian and at least working knowledge of Russian is required. Working knowledge of English would be an asset. IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Travel required
        • Availability for local travel in Ukraine. Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
        • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
      • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
    • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
12. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.