National MHPSS Officer

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Guyana seeks a National MHPSS Officer based in Georgetown. This role is crucial within the organization's efforts to support vulnerable populations. The incumbent will operate under the NO-A grade, contributing directly to the well-being of individuals facing significant psychosocial challenges.

Job Purpose

The National MHPSS Officer is responsible for delivering direct clinical and psychosocial support interventions to individuals experiencing distress, trauma, severe emotional difficulties, or psychosocial vulnerabilities. These challenges are often linked to displacement, prolonged transit, deportation, detention, family separation, violence, or uncertainty regarding return and reintegration. The role aims to mitigate the psychological impact of these experiences, promote resilience, and facilitate access to appropriate mental health services, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and recovery of affected individuals within the IOM's operational scope in Guyana.

Responsibilities

The primary duties include providing direct psychological support through individual counselling, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and assessments. The officer will conduct MHPSS assessments, identify individuals needing specialized support or referral, and manage high-risk cases, including those with severe distress or suicide risk, under supervision. Facilitating group counselling, psychoeducation, and stress management sessions is also key. The role involves supporting referral processes to other services, participating in suicide prevention and watch procedures, and maintaining confidential case files. Additionally, the officer will assist in developing culturally appropriate MHPSS materials, provide technical guidance to frontline staff, support activity tracking and reporting, and participate in multidisciplinary meetings.

Work Experience

Required experience includes providing direct psychological services in humanitarian, migration, displacement, or low-resource settings, and supporting individuals affected by trauma, violence, or severe distress. Experience working with vulnerable populations such as migrants, displaced persons, women, and youth is essential. Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings is highly desirable.

Skills

Clinical Psychology, Psychosocial Support, Crisis Intervention, Psychoeducation, Case Management, MHPSS Assessment, Referral Processes, Suicide Prevention, Documentation, Reporting, Technical Guidance, Group Facilitation.

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