Technical Advisor for Mental Health and Psychosocial Services (MHPSS)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization’s mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to recover and regain control of their lives. IRC provides health care, education, economic wellbeing, and safety to those in need, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, including refugees and displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor (TA) for Mental Health and Psychosocial Services (MHPSS) will play a crucial role in supporting the Mental Health and Psychosocial Service efforts of the IRC within the Resettlement, Asylum and Integration department (RAI). The TA will be responsible for enhancing the capacity of IRC RAI offices and collaborating with other service providers to ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health and psychosocial support services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced individuals and families. This position requires the integration of evidence-based practices and strategies to address barriers that hinder access to safety and wellness services for forcibly displaced community members. The TA will also be tasked with producing training materials and resources aimed at increasing both internal and external capacities to support individuals, children, and families who have faced forced displacement, trauma, and migration-related stress.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will provide technical assistance to RAI offices and other service agencies, focusing on best practices, interventions, and resources related to mental health, psychosocial support, women’s protection and empowerment, and trauma-informed case management for forcibly displaced communities. The TA will develop and disseminate guidelines and resources for community outreach and education, manage the dissemination and replication of MHPSS interventions, and create culturally and linguistically appropriate training materials. Additionally, the TA will contribute to building a diverse workforce by enhancing staff capacity to deliver mental health and psychosocial support services. The role involves developing and maintaining relationships with various RAI office teams and external service agencies, strengthening partnerships to solicit feedback for resource development, and providing ongoing analysis of program activities to support monitoring and evaluation efforts. The TA will also engage in business development initiatives, including proposal development and funding opportunities, and participate actively in team meetings and staff development activities while adhering to IRC’s organizational policies and ethical standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related mental health field, with independent licensure preferred. A minimum of five years of experience in MHPSS-related work is required, along with experience in delivering survivor-centered services, particularly to survivors of intimate partner violence. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working with refugee and asylum populations and possess strong expertise regarding the impacts of trauma on individuals, families, and children. The ability to provide technical support and work effectively with stakeholders at all levels is essential, as are excellent verbal and written communication skills. Candidates should be self-starters with strong project management skills, capable of prioritizing and managing competing demands effectively. Experience in external relations and partnership development is also necessary, along with the ability to communicate and collaborate in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related mental health field. Independent licensure in the relevant field is preferred, indicating a higher level of professional qualification and recognition in the mental health domain.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in mental health and psychosocial support services, particularly in contexts involving refugees and asylum seekers. Experience in delivering survivor-centered services and working with diverse populations is crucial, as is a demonstrated understanding of the impacts of trauma on various demographics, including children and families.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in another language relevant to refugee and asylum populations is preferred, as it would enhance communication and service delivery to diverse client groups.

Additional Notes:
This position is currently 100% remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The compensation for this role ranges from $95,000 to $108,000, with the specific offer depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and skills. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit without discrimination. The organization adheres to professional standards and core values, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment for all employees. Benefits for short-term employees in the US include a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting, sick leave, and access to an Employee Assistance Program for counseling and mental health support.