MHPSS Specialist

Title: MHPSS Specialist

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual/Hybrid (Canada)

Employment Status: Temporary Full Time (12 months)

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) - an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada's Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

In this role, you will :

• Deploy to fulfill operational roles in emergency relief operations (Technical Advisor, FOT MHPSS, and PDCT MHPSS), and to support recovery programming as required.
• Conduct assessments to identify community needs, risks, and resources, and support the development of MHPSS service plans based on findings.
• Conduct well-being conversations, assess coping capacities, manage crisis situations, and address protection escalations.
• Collaborate with volunteers to facilitate mental health and psychosocial activities, including well-being checks, community spaces, support groups and recreational activities, to promote connection and healing.
• Establish and oversee safe, protective environments, implement protection protocols, and facilitate regular protection briefings for CRC personnel and partners.
• Provide expertise on MHPSS, crisis intervention, and protection protocols, while facilitating learning activities and training for CRC personnel.
• Collaborate with partners to facilitate referrals to other essential services, ensuring individuals affected by the crisis receive seamless, integrated support tailored to their needs.
• Consult with CRC services to ensure culturally safe, inclusive programming and advocate for the integration of MHPSS and protection into service delivery.
• Contribute to the development of technical resources and training materials and provide awareness sessions for CRC programs.
• Support readiness activities, maintain operational trackers, document service delivery, provide feedback through briefings and end-of-mission reports and participate in the MHPSS Community of Practice.

What we are looking for :

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, Public Health, or a related field.
• Registration in good standing in a clinical designation is considered a strong asset.
• Advanced knowledge in mental health and psychosocial support, with experience in emergency management and development and implementation of community-based MHPSS interventions.
• Strong skills in conducting assessments, implementing protective measures, and managing complex mental health scenarios.
• Demonstrated expertise in providing technical guidance on MHPSS within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community groups, to build partnerships and strengthen MHPSS programming.
• Experience and understanding of Indigenous cultures, strengths and rights-based approaches a strong asset.
• Knowledge and experience of the Canadian Red Cross culture, programs and principles is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required; French is an asset.
• Periodic travel to field operations will be required and this can involve working non-traditional hours and therefore, a demonstrated ability to work in stressful and often ambiguous conditions is required.
• Ability to be on-call to respond to urgent and complex cases, including situations of safety, as well as adult and child protection.

Working Conditions :

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).