Mental Health Program Specialist

Scope of work:

The Mental Health Program Specialist is responsible for building resilience of people forcibly displaced from their home country and new to the community. This position will be engaging with individuals and families who are experiencing adjustment difficulties to offer encouragement, practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support. The role will include conducting client-centered needs assessments and skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions. Depending on community need, the Mental Health Program Specialist may also run psychosocial support groups, provide educational workshops, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Promote mental health and psychosocial support within affected communities
• Meet with individuals and families in the community to conduct needs assessment
• Prepare an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities
• Under supervision, engage in evidenced based psychoeducation and skill building activities
• Document activities through case notes and data entry
• Collaborate with supervisor to provide crisis assessment
• Assist with evaluation of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service opportunities
• Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics
• Other duties, as required

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in the field of mental health or social services (relevant work experience can be a substitute for an undergraduate degree)
• Fluency in English
• Bilingual in another language desired but not required
• Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with disadvantaged communities and related to health or mental health
• Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and mental health
• Ability to assess needs, prioritize and develop action plans
• Ability to advocate and liaise with health and social service systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age
• Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance

Working Environment:

Compensation:Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirement.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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