Mental Health Focal Person at Heartland Alliance Ltd/Gte – Apply Now

Job Summary

This position will provide non-specialized psychosocial support (PSS) services to KPs in mobile and fixed-sites and refer, if need be,for specialized mental health (MH) interventions and/or other HALG services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide community psychosocial support (PSS) services to key populations (KPs) and support the OSS with MHPSS screening and brief interventions as the need arises.
• Identify KPs in the community that require MHPSS services using structured Community Link intervention model. Offer PSS services to KPs with significant psychosocial distress signs and refer, if need be for specialized mental health (MH) interventions.
• Offer PSS services to KPs who report or have recent experience of Gender-based Violence (GBV) as well as KPs with legal concerns that causes psychological distress.
• Ensure that KPs who are exposed to GBV and other risky behaviours are offered and linked to HTS as well as other HALG services (PeP, Cervical Cancer Screening, Harm Reduction service) and properly document number of HIV positive cases linked to care.
• Document and protect participant’s records and ensure that all referred participants are properly linked to required services and followed up to ensure that they receive adequate care.
• Review client screening records and conduct further assessment to determine the severity of any symptom of psychosocial distress.
• Participate in weekly outreach efforts to raise community awareness of mental health and other health risks that can result in psychological distress including facilitate support groups.
• Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor or line managers.

Requirements & Qualification

• Must at a minimum have a tertiary educational degree in (psychology, psychiatric nursing, rehabilitation sciences, guidance and counseling or other mental health affiliate degree).
• Should have at least one year of experience providing direct services to individuals with psychological distress or has a minimum of 90 hours classroom training and experience working under direct supervision of a qualified / licensed mental health professional.
• Must be resident in the area of coverage and have good networking in the community of coverage.
• Speaks Basic English and as an added advantage, understand the language of the area of cover.

Competencies:

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Speaks local language of the people. Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities
• Diversity – Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions.
• Motivation – Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.