MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) OFFICER At Save the Slum Initiative IN BORNO
JOB DESCRIPTION
MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) OFFICER Organization Name: Save The Slum Initiative
Department: Child Protection / Health / Program Operations
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State
Reports To: Child Protection Coordinator / Program Manager / Health Manager
Contract Duration: 6 Months
POSITION SUMMARY
The MHPSS Officer is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing mental health and psychosocial support programs for conflict-affected populations, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable communities in Nigeria. This role focuses on providing direct support services, building local capacity, and ensuring quality mental health interventions that promote healing, resilience, and psychosocial wellbeing of children, adolescents, and adults in humanitarian settings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Service Provision (35%)
- Provide individual and group counseling services using Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychosocial support techniques
- Conduct mental health assessments and develop appropriate intervention plans for beneficiaries
- Deliver trauma counseling and healing sessions for survivors of violence, displacement, and conflict
- Facilitate psycho-educational sessions for children, adolescents, caregivers, and families
- Implement crisis intervention and suicide prevention protocols when necessary
- Maintain confidential case files and ensure proper documentation of all interventions
Program Implementation and Coordination (30%)
- Design and implement community-based psychosocial support activities and interventions
- Establish and manage Child Friendly Spaces, safe spaces, and recreational centers
- Coordinate MHPSS services across multiple sectors (health, education, child protection)
- Develop and adapt culturally appropriate MHPSS materials and resources
- Ensure integration of MHPSS components into broader humanitarian programming
- Support emergency response activities and rapid deployment of MHPSS services
Capacity Building and Training (20%)
- Train and mentor community volunteers, caseworkers, teachers, and healthcare workers on MHPSS
- Build capacity of local partners and government counterparts on mental health programming
- Conduct training sessions on psychological first aid, trauma-informed care, and self-care practices
- Provide technical support and coaching to field staff and implementing partners
- Develop training materials and standard operating procedures for MHPSS interventions
- Support establishment of peer support networks and community-based mental health initiatives
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (15%)
- Develop and implement monitoring frameworks for MHPSS programming
- Collect and analyze data on service delivery, outcomes, and impact indicators
- Prepare regular reports on MHPSS activities, challenges, and achievements
- Participate in needs assessments and baseline surveys focused on psychosocial wellbeing
- Document best practices, case studies, and lessons learned for organizational learning
- Contribute to donor reports and proposal development for MHPSS programming
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Mental Health, or related field – Required
- Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Public Mental Health – Preferred
- Professional certification in trauma counseling, MHPSS, or related specialization – Preferred
Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in MHPSS programming in humanitarian or development contexts
- Proven experience working with children, adolescents, and families affected by conflict or displacement
- Experience in individual and group counseling, particularly trauma-informed approaches
- Knowledge of psychological first aid, crisis intervention, and psychosocial support methodologies
- Experience working in Nigeria or West Africa, with understanding of local cultural contexts – Preferred
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of child protection principles, safeguarding, and do-no-harm approaches
- Familiarity with MHPSS assessment tools, screening instruments, and outcome measures
- Understanding of referral pathways and case management principles in humanitarian settings
- Knowledge of gender-based violence (GBV) and its psychosocial impacts
- Basic understanding of psychiatric conditions and medication management
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (written and verbal) – Required
- Knowledge of Hausa, Kanuri, or other Nigerian local languages – Strong Asset
- Basic communication skills in Arabic may be advantageous in certain contexts
Personal Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build rapport with diverse populations
- Strong emotional resilience and ability to work in psychologically demanding environments
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse religious and traditional healing practices
- Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams
- Flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing humanitarian contexts
CHILD SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding Level: Level 3 – This position requires regular contact with children and young people
Child Protection Requirements
- Commitment to organizational child safeguarding policies and procedures
- Training on child protection, safeguarding, and reporting procedures
- Adherence to codes of conduct regarding interactions with children and vulnerable adults
- Responsibility to create and maintain safe, protective environments for all beneficiaries
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Environment
- Office-based work with significant time spent in community settings and field locations
- Work in challenging environments including IDP camps, temporary settlements, and conflict-affected areas
- Exposure to traumatic stories and secondary trauma requiring strong self-care practices
- May require work in areas with limited infrastructure and security constraints
Travel Requirements
- Regular field visits to project sites and communities (approximately 40-50% of time)
- Ability to travel to remote and potentially insecure areas
COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
Internal Coordination
- Close collaboration with Child Protection, Health, and Education teams
- Regular coordination with Protection, GBV, and Camp Management sectors
- Participation in multi-sectoral programming and joint assessments
External Partnerships
- Active participation in MHPSS Working Groups and coordination mechanisms
- Collaboration with government mental health services and traditional healers
- Partnership with local NGOs, CBOs, and community leaders
- Engagement with international MHPSS networks and communities of practice
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates should submit:
- Cover letter specifically addressing MHPSS experience and motivation
- Detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and training
- Academic certificates and professional certifications
- Valid identification and medical fitness certificate
- Portfolio of MHPSS work (training materials, case studies)
Application Deadline: 10th October Expected Start Date: Immediately
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates should click on the link: https://forms.gle/u1vHwYTXnUBSmznZ8
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
By submitting your Application for this position you agree to STSI ZERO Tolerance to:
Fraud
Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, Abuse and Child Abuse
Our employees enjoy a work culture that promotes diversity and inclusion.
Save The Slum Initiative (STSI) provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Candidates available to start immediately are highly preferred.
Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
