Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Officer

About the role

The Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer will lead 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 activities, strengthens community‑based services and supports integration of MHPSS across child protection, education, health and nutrition programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Implement and monitor quality MHPSS activities, including HEART, psychosocial support groups, life‑skills and caregiver support 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 while ensuring confidentiality and data protection.
• Coordinate with government authorities, community structures, partners, schools and health facilities to strengthen MHPSS service delivery.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, clinical psychology, counselling, social work, mental health, psychiatric nursing, public health or related field.
• Minimum 2‑3 years experience implementing MHPSS programmes in humanitarian or development settings.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, caregivers and conflict‑affected communities.
• Knowledge of IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.

Required skills

• Psychological First Aid (PFA)
• Facilitation and training delivery
• Case management and referral coordination
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities