HIAS seeks a Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) specialist will oversee the implementation of MHPSS activities, including case management services. This position includes responsibility for program planning, implementation and reporting. The MHPSS specialist will ensure quality services are delivered that meet both ethical and global MHPSS standards and that the programs evolve to meet changing needs in the displaced communities.

This position supports HIAS Refugee Rights Framework by supporting forcibly displaced migrants and refugees’ rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the right to recovery from the shock of displacement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Guide the development and implementation of MHPSS programming in Aruba, in close coordination with GBV, Economic Inclusion and Protection colleagues, including culturally appropriate and sensitive activities for displaced communities. These include, but are not limited to, Psychological First Aid, support or self-help groups, Mainstreaming of a community based MHPSS capacity building and other supportive recreational and/or social activities for vulnerable Venezuelan refugees.
• The mhpss specialist will provide (in person and remote) psychological counselling and follow up to individuals, couple and family level to refugee and migrant population through the use of evidence-based methodologies implemented by HIAS Aruba.
• Provide ongoing technical support for MHPSS programming to HIAS operations in Aruba.
• Supervise and ensure culturally sensitive counseling services and case management to beneficiaries, including pre and post assessments, with individuals and families participating in MHPSS activities.
• Implement focused MHPSS group interventions and community-based activities and develop plans for their sustainable continuation as a source for social support for participants. Individuals with specific mental health needs will be referred to local partners.
• Responsible for monitoring the progress of the project and its own indicators, delivering support and reports of the activities executed.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies providing services to Venezuelan refugees to address MHPSS needs of individuals and families.
• maintain a reliable referral system with service providers in Aruba and Curacao including governmental institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
• Provide guidance, information, and psychoeducation to the population HIAS works with.
• develops workshops and training processes in psychological first aid, self-care, social skills, and other topics related to Mental Health, Psychosocial aimed at beneficiaries, local population and external organizations.
• Gather updates regarding changing needs, risks and gaps in protection from the community.
• Oversee MHPSS partners in the Curacao.
• proposes intervention strategies from its area of technical expertise, contributing to the integration with the rest of the services of HIAS from a holistic approach.
• Participates in meetings with program management, as well as technical meetings with the mental health and psychosocial support and inter-institutional coordination with other program areas.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in psychology or related field with at least 3 years of working experience.
• Knowledge and experience of mental health and psychosocial programming in the humanitarian context.
• Familiarity with IASC guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings.
• Good knowledge and experience in group facilitation techniques.
• Strong motivation to humanitarian work, service-oriented mindset and sense of accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and critically.
• Ability to work within a team structure or in isolation, flexible, and can cope with stressful. workloads and working with limited resources.
• Strong communication skills and capacity to positively influence change.
• Sense of initiative and capacity to work autonomously.
• Fluency in Spanish, English is required, Papiamento and Dutch are an advantage.
• Excellent computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Must be a team player and able to work with a range of diverse, vulnerable populations.
• Ability to uphold the highest level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Passionate about HIAS’ mission and values.
• Must be able to travel internationally.
• Position is for Arubans who has the right to work as a psychologist in Aruba.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • ??? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • ??? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • ?????? (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • ???? (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • ??? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.