MHPSS Lead

Key Outcomes:  

In the first 90 days, the MHPSS Lead will: 

• Learn and live the Americares values 

• Complete all required new hire onboarding trainings 

• Understand Americares MHPSS offerings 

• Meet with pre-identified partners in the area and begin MHPSS interventions 

• Supervise the MHPSS team 

• Work with HQ lead and MERL to determine data metrics and tracking methods 

• Identify gaps and potential for additional training/resource development 

In the first 6 months, the MHPSS Officer will: 

• Work closely with local partners and the MHPSS team to facilitate individual and group sessions, trainings, and train-the-trainer programs 

• Develop new MHPSS material to meet needs and/or modify existing material 

• Identify and work with new partners beyond the ones pre-identified 

• Work within the larger recovery framework to the benefit of survivors and residents of NC, SC, and TN 

• Support remote interventions with partners in Georgia and Florida who were also affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

In the first year, the MHPSS Officer will: 

• Have met or exceeded the pre-identified targets for the project 

• Work with partners to support continuity of work and develop and implement a smooth exit plan to ensure local partners are able to continue to grow with the information and resources that have been shared 

• work with the recovery team to determine if any next steps are needed 

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Actively model and contribute to Americares values, work culture and mission. 

• Engage in and contribute to team spaces with openness, global competencies, and a growth mindset

• People manage staff, ensuring a balance of relationships and results, as well as their professional growth

Operational Support: 

• Collaborate with the MHPSS HQ Specialist to identify and support operational objectives and supervise local MHPSS officers and contractual staff. 

• Manage daily and weekly schedules for the MHPSS team on the ground in Asheville with potential to also oversee staff hired to support partners in Georgia and Florida’. 

• Coordinate the scheduling and facilitation of technical assistance, capacity building, and staff care support provided by the MHPSS officers. 

• People manage MHPSS staff, ensuring their success in meeting objectives to build strategic partnerships with local health partners while also supporting their professional growth    

• Conduct due diligence and ensure timely and accurate submission of expenses and timekeeping. 

• Assess behavioral health needs with clinic partners, develop recommended interventions, and supervise the creation of supporting materials. 

• Supervise outreach to health facilities and coordinate training logistics for in-person or virtual interventions. 

• Support the creation and adaptation of training materials and supervise the collection of data metrics in collaboration with the MHPSS HQ Specialist and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Technical Specialist. 

• Provide training and technical assistance to MHPSS team to ensure the quality and cultural competence of Americares MHPSS programming with partners. 

• Oversee and manage MHPSS grants with respective partners by conducting monthly meetings, reviewing partner reports, and ensuring alignment with approved proposals and the implementation of activities as outlined. 

• Implement and ensure data management by capturing and tracking MHPSS interventions and themes aligned with organizational standards, collaborating with the MERL team to maintain data integrity, and supporting evidence-based decision-making and reporting. 

• Work in coordination with researchers to facilitate longitudinal research study on program effectiveness. 

• Input all MHPSS interventions into Americares Project Data Tracking MERL tool and MHPSS Excel Tracker monthly. 

• Represent Americares in meetings, partner outreach activities, and strategic discussions. 

MHPSS Direct Service Provision: 

• Oversee and help facilitate individual and group debriefing sessions for healthcare workers, responders, and volunteers to address burnout, emotional exhaustion, and vicarious trauma. 

• Oversee and lead emotional decompression activities to support the mental health of responders and healthcare workers engaged in disaster recovery. 

• Oversee and help conduct psychoeducation sessions and training for healthcare staff and community members, with a focus on resilience-building, stress management, and coping strategies. This could include Psychological First Aid, Coping Methods, or other pre-existing or newly developed material. 

• Oversee and lead Training of Trainers (TOT) programs to ensure long-term sustainability of MHPSS services and build local capacity for mental health support. 

• Assess programming needs and design new material as identified. 

MHPSS Outreach: 

• Strengthen existing MHPSS services by collaborating with local organizations, healthcare workers, responders, and community leaders. 

• Provide support in community settings such as clinics, schools, and other relevant locations. 

• Coordinate referrals to external mental health and psychosocial services as needed. 

Degrees and/or experience required for the role: 

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related and licensure (LCMHC, LMFT, LCSW, Licensed Psychologist) 

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in MHPSS programming, with significant experience in disaster or crisis settings 

These competencies are required for the role: 

• Proven experience in conducting training and providing psychological and psychosocial assistance in MHPSS contexts

• Demonstrated experience managing teams remotely and in-person  

• Experience in program design and development 

• Experience coordinating MHPSS activities, including cross-functional collaboration between field and HQ 

• Ability to work and travel in remote areas in relevant regions 

• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team in fluid and high stress environments 

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care and intervention techniques 

• High level of cultural competency, particularly in working with diverse and underserved populations 

US work authorization and a valid license is required for this role. 

These competencies would be great to have, but are not required: 

• Fluency in Spanish 

Additionally, our core competencies as an organization are:  

• Ownership and results  

• Communication  

• Problem solving  

• Equity and inclusion  

• Teamwork and conflict resolution  

• Leadership  

• Prioritization  

• Management  

• Strategy and planning  

• Decision making 

We know not all applicants will demonstrate all the competencies we’re looking for, and that women and underrepresented groups tend to not apply unless they meet all the requirements. We encourage you to apply even if you do not check all the boxes above, and we look forward to reviewing your application holistically.  

What you can expect, if you move forward in the recruitment process: 

1. Interview with People and Talent (1 hour)  

1. Competency exercise  

1. Video interview with team (approximately 2 hours)  

1. Reference check  

1. Offer!  

1. Background check and onboarding