Mental Health Advocate

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing more than 14,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons, focusing on health, education, and economic wellbeing. The IRC's mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to recover and rebuild their lives, ensuring that they can thrive in their new environments.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health Advocate plays a crucial role in supporting the mental health and resilience of survivors of trafficking through the WARN program. This position is client-facing and involves providing one-on-one peer support, referrals, and group-based services. The advocate will engage with clients to offer psychoeducation and skill-building workshops, as well as facilitate mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS) groups. The role also includes coordinating program logistics, recruiting participants, documenting services, and supporting evaluation through data collection. The Mental Health Advocate will connect clients to appropriate mental health resources, assist with care coordination, and collaborate with supervisors to provide crisis support as needed. This position requires a compassionate individual who is committed to helping vulnerable populations and has a strong understanding of mental health issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Mental Health Advocate will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Client Engagement & Support: Providing Skills for Psychology Recovery (SPR) services to clients, which includes one-on-one psychosocial support. Developing individualized action plans with clearly defined goals and activities based on assessment findings. Providing health navigation services through referrals for clients requiring higher levels of mental health care to culturally and linguistically appropriate providers. Supporting crisis assessment and intervention for program participants in collaboration with the supervisor. Representing the WARN Mental Health program at external and internal outreach events.
• Program Facilitation: Facilitating psychosocial group programs, ensuring alignment with contract guidelines. Facilitating psychoeducation and skill-building group sessions using evidence-based approaches under supervision. Recruiting and enrolling participants for WARN programs. Planning and organizing logistics for WARN programs, including scheduling, transportation, materials, and space coordination.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Preparing and administering Participant Service Reports with guidance from the supervisor. Documenting client interactions and program activities through detailed case notes and data entry. Assisting in evaluating current services and identifying opportunities for new program offerings. Using IRC software to document client information and other program materials.
• Administrative & Team Support: Attending and actively participating in team meetings, staff meetings, and relevant IRC trainings and conference calls. Collaborating with supervisors and team members to ensure program quality and compliance. Performing other duties as assigned to support the success of WARN programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience in social work, social service provision, psychosocial support, mental health, community engagement and support, or other relevant areas. Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred. In lieu of lived experience, candidates should have experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience is also accepted. A strong understanding of the systems that intersect with migration and resettlement, as well as the social service system, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English and Spanish or other relevant languages. Strong intercultural communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds are required. A commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning is essential. Candidates should also possess strong computer, keyboard, email, and general office skills, along with a current driver’s license and valid insurance.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Candidates with lived experience as refugees or immigrants are highly valued, as they bring unique perspectives and insights that can enhance the support provided to clients.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in social work, mental health support, or community engagement. Experience working with diverse populations, particularly refugees and immigrants, is highly desirable. Familiarity with mental health issues and the ability to provide crisis intervention and support are critical components of this role. Candidates should also have experience in program facilitation and evaluation, as well as a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Spanish or other relevant languages is highly desirable. The ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse linguistic backgrounds is essential for this role, as it enhances the quality of support provided to clients and ensures that their needs are met in a culturally sensitive manner.

Additional Notes:
The working environment is a standard professional office setting, with flexible options for remote and in-office work. The position may require regular travel throughout the service delivery area, as well as evening and weekend work. The compensation for this role ranges from $27 to $29 per hour, based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families during times of crisis.