IRC Background:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. IRC reaches over 50,000 clients annually across the US through programs for resettled refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, survivors of torture and trafficking, and individuals from local communities welcoming newcomers.
Scope of work:
The Mental Health Program Specialist is responsible for building resilience of people forcibly displaced populations. This position will engage with individuals and families from various communities who are experiencing adjustment difficulties and vulnerabilities, 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 1:1 and family mental health support, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections. This role is under the Preferred Communities Department and is supervised by the Mental Health Supervisor position.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Promote mental health and psychosocial support within affected communities
- Meet with individuals and families in the community to conduct needs assessments
- Prepare an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities
- Under supervision, engage in evidenced based psychoeducation and skill building activities for families, individuals, and groups.
- Research, secure, and develop curriculum for group workshops and research-based psychoeducation to promote trauma healing.
- Screen clients 16 years and above using the RH15 refugee mental health screening form.
- Document activities through case notes and data entry
- Compile pre-and post assessments and assess impact.
- Collaborate with supervisor to provide crisis assessment and response.
- 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
- Assist with client transportation when needed
- Refer eligible clients to community local mental health providers, when openings are available.
- Carry small caseload of clients who are eligible under level of vulnerability and risk for mental health support.
- Assist MSW student field interns in meeting Learning Agreement objectives.
- Other duties as required
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor
Position directly supervises: MSW field placement interns
Other Internal and/or external contacts: HQ Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, Mental Health providers.
Job Requirements:
- Graduate 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
- Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with disadvantaged communities and related to health or mental health
- Trust and rapport with the various community groups that you serve
- 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:
Standard, professional office environment combined with community-based work.
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 requirements.
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.
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
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 $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), 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.