MHPSS Cultural Mediation Associate

Organizational Context

IOM Ireland has been active since 2001, managing various aspects of migration including resettlement, counter-trafficking, and integration support. The organization provides crucial mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to international protection seekers at the Citywest accommodation facility. This role operates under the supervision of senior management within the MHPSS unit, directly supporting activities for residents.

Job Purpose

This role is designed to support the implementation of community mobilization and related activities for international protection applicants residing in the Citywest accommodation centre. The incumbent will facilitate communication and provide essential cultural mediation and interpretation services, ensuring effective interaction between service providers and beneficiaries. By bridging language and cultural gaps, the position aims to enhance the psychosocial well-being and resilience of individuals seeking protection, contributing to their overall integration and access to services within the facility. The role directly supports the MHPSS objectives of IOM Ireland.

Responsibilities

Provide cultural mediation and interpretation services, facilitating communication between service providers and migrants in their native languages and vice versa, adhering to principles of neutrality and confidentiality. Offer verbal interpretation support to International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) staff for daily interactions with beneficiaries. Assist in collecting routine information, data, and identifying cases for referral through interpretation. Support beneficiaries in contacting service providers within Citywest by providing impartial interpretation and mediation. Identify vulnerabilities through ongoing communication and refer individuals to case management. Assist IOM partners with logistics, interpretation, and outreach for community engagement and awareness activities. Conduct outreach to inform beneficiaries about available MHPSS services and activities. Provide interpretation assistance to mental health professionals during group and individual sessions, including remote interpretation. Prepare routine documentation and submit basic activity reports. Undertake any other related tasks as required.

Work Experience

Experience in cultural mediation within migrant assistance frameworks is required. Previous experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU agencies, or Irish law enforcement/government departments is considered an asset. Completion of training in cultural mediation for mental health settings and familiarity with MHPSS specialized vocabulary are also advantageous.

Skills

Ability to work effectively with migrants and asylum seekers. Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and emotional resilience. Excellent intercultural competence and communication skills. Culture-specific knowledge. Capacity to prevent and mitigate misunderstandings due to language barriers. Basic understanding of interpersonal communication and sensitivity. Knowledge of Irish asylum application procedures. Ability to prepare clear, concise reports. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

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