Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist, Syrian Refugee Relief Efforts (English and Arabic/Farsi Fluency)

Job Description

TITLE: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist

LOCATION: Lesbos, Greece/Other Locations in Europe

REPORTS TO: Associate Director, Emergency Response

POSITION TYPE: Consultant

PROJECT LENGTH: Minimum 2 month commitment

AMERICARES SYRIAN REFUGEE RELIEF EFFORTS

The crisis in Syria has forced more than 4 million Syrians to flee their country. Most of these refugees are currently in camps or host communities in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. Recently, however, more refugees are making the treacherous trip to Europe, with many of those refugees arriving first on the island of Lesbos in Greece before heading elsewhere. The Syrian refugees are joined by refugees fleeing other conflicts and political instability in Yemen, Afghanistan, North Africa and other locations. In 2015, 500,000 refugees have arrived in Europe, most of them arriving in Greece and Italy before moving on to other parts of Europe.

AmeriCares assessment team is currently in Lesbos, where they report that 5,000 refugees are arriving each day. These refugees are arriving by boat from Turkey after making harrowing journeys from Syria and other conflict-torn nations. Many arrive suffering from dehydration and hypothermia; others suffer from chronic conditions that have been left untreated. Many are suffering from emotional and psychological trauma. While there are many volunteers helping refugees as they arrive, and non-governmental organizations are starting to provide more assistance, there aren’t enough Arabic and Farsi speaking mental health professionals to help the thousands of refugees arriving each day. The need is immediate and is expected to last for several months.

POSITION SUMMARY

AmeriCares is seeking licensed counselors, psychologists and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialists who speak Arabic and/or Farsi (Persian) to help with this humanitarian crisis by providing MHPSS counseling to refugees from Syria and elsewhere arriving in Lesbos, Greece, and other locations in Europe. This role requires a minimum two-month commitment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Very good/fluent Arabic and/or Farsi language skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Master’s degree in psychology, social work and/or counselling from an internationally accredited institution with recognized clinical training.
• Currently (within the last year) practicing as a MHPSS professional.
• Training in and experience delivering Psychological First Aid preferred
• Training in cultural competency preferred
• Experience in humanitarian crisis, natural disasters and/or resource poor settings.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to make effective decisions under pressure; ability to work effectively and harmoniously on multi-national team.
• High degree of flexibility and efficacy in a rapidly changing environment.
• Time commitment: A minimum of two months.

SAFETY & SECURITY

• The individual that assumes this role should have a clear understanding of and be able to follow strict personal protection, security and hygiene best practices.
• All staff must comply with AmeriCares security policies and procedures.
• At any point the position holder or AmeriCares has the option to end the assignment should the situation deem it necessary.

TO APPLY

Please upload the following to complete your application.

• Resume/CV
• Professional certification(s)/license(s)
• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field
• Three references

About the Organization

ABOUT AMERICARES

AmeriCares is an emergency response and global health organization committed to saving lives and building healthier futures for people in crisis in the United States and around the world. Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $12 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries, including the United States. Together with its global network of more than 3,500 hospitals, clinics and community health partners, AmeriCares is improving health outcomes for millions of people in need each year.

AmeriCares responds to more than 20 disasters a year in the U.S. and around the world. Recently, AmeriCares mobilized more than $20 million in medicine and medical supplies to aid in the Nepal earthquake response. We helped staff and supply Ebola Treatment Units in Liberia and we are providing infection prevention and control training and supplies to protect health workers in Sierra Leone. In the Philippines, AmeriCares rebuilt more than 70 health facilities damaged by Typhoon Haiyan.