MHPSS Counselor

Position Summary:

The Counselor is responsible for delivering Mental Health and Psychosocial Support services (MHPSS), including responding to incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) in a timely, survivor-centered and caring manner. The Counselor works with survivors of GBV, women engage in survival sex, community partners, service providers and local authorities. In addition, the counselor will provide individual and group support to other vulnerable and marginalized beneficiaries. The Counselor also assists in raising awareness to prevent gender-based violence incidents from happening and to ensure that survivors of GBV know what the services available to them are and how to access them.

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

The Counselor will report to the Program Manager/Field Coordinator and will work in coordination with the GBV and the Protection Officer if required.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct intake and psychosocial assessments of clients referred by HIAS officers and other stakeholders.

• Provide remote one-on-one emotional support counseling and guidance to GBV survivors and other vulnerable individuals, in the framework of the GBV case management.

• Implement remote activities that are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable individuals. This includes, among others, psychological first aid, support, or self-help groups and other recreational and/or social support activities for the population.

• Together with the Program Manager plan workshops, trainings and capacity building for community mobilizers, leaders, and service providers.

• Contribute to the development of a reliable referral system with service providers in Guyana including governmental institutions, civil society, and the private sector.

• Collaborate closely with the GBV and Protection Officer to provide outreach to encourage survivors to come forward and seek assistance.

• Work collaboratively with other agencies providing services to Venezuelan refugees.

• Provide input to all program development activities.

• Ensure quality and integrity of information captured and documented.

• Provides accurate, timely and consistent analysis and reporting to Program Manager on program activities.

• Ensure constant and accurate upkeep of data (physical and electronic) to reflect the status of persons of concern by checking that all data fields are filled in properly; manages and updates beneficiary files, as necessary.

• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• University degree in Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, or related field with at least 2 year of experience counseling, supporting survivors and/or social work experience.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required.
• Familiarity with MHPSS and GBV IASC guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of group facilitation techniques and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of gender and gender equality.
• Ability to develop work plans, meet deadlines and capture program progress for donor reports.
• Strong motivation to humanitarian work, service-oriented mindset and sense of accountability to the populations HIAS serves.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and critically.
• Sense of initiative and capacity to work autonomously.
• Excellent computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a team player and able to work with a range of diverse, vulnerable populations; understanding of community-based approach required.
• Ability to uphold the highest level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Passionate about HIAS’ mission and values.

About Us:

HIAS is a global Jewish nonprofit organization working across five continents to ensure that refugees and displaced persons are protected. Throughout the United States, we help refugees reunite with families, resettle and become self-sufficient. Guided by our values and history, we help refugees rebuild their lives in safety and security and advocate to ensure that all displaced people are treated with dignity.

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religious creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, age, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.