Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Officer

About the role

The Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer will lead the day‑to‑day implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of MHPSS interventions for children, adolescents, caregivers and communities in Borno, Nigeria. The role ensures effective delivery of HEART (Healing and Education through the Arts) and other psychosocial activities while strengthening community‑based services and integrating MHPSS across protection, education, health and nutrition programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Implement and monitor quality MHPSS activities, including HEART, support groups, life‑skills and caregiver sessions.
• Train, mentor and supervise facilitators, volunteers, teachers and community workers on HEART, Psychological First Aid and basic MHPSS approaches.
• Identify vulnerable children and caregivers and ensure safe, timely referrals to specialised mental health, protection and social services.
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits, collect and report programme data, and document lessons learned for donor reporting.
• Coordinate with government authorities, community structures, partners, schools and health facilities to strengthen service delivery and promote community resilience.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling, social work, mental health, psychiatric nursing, public health or a related field.
• Minimum 2‑3 years of experience implementing MHPSS programmes in humanitarian or development settings.
• Experience providing psychosocial support, case management, Psychological First Aid and referrals for vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.

Required skills

• Strong facilitation and training skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.