Mental Health Coordinator At International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview:

The IRC is establishing an initiative to improve the adjustment and resilience of victims of crime, survivors of torture and people forcibly displaced from their home country and new to the community. The Mental Health Program Coordinator will serve three main functions:

• Provide specialized and intensive support as needed to IRC clients who may be experiencing a mental health or safety concern

• Build the capacity of internal and external stakeholders as it relates to supporting the mental health, adjustment, and resilience of newly arrived refugees

• Coordinate referrals and services and advocate for access to quality care that is culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate.

Major Responsibilities:

· Serve as the point person for the office in implementation of crisis and non-crisis pathway interventions for clients experiencing behavioral health concerns, interpersonal violence, substance use disorders and other related mental health issues. The activities may include screening, triage, psychoeducation, safety planning, referrals, care coordination and accompanying clients to their appointments.

· Facilitate or co-facilitate workshops or support groups to support the mental health, adjustment, and resilience of IRC clients. At least 1 each quarter.

· Ensure follow-up care for clients of concern and track clinical outcomes with clients who are receiving mental health services in the community by completing quarterly screening, assessment and/or client satisfaction surveys.

· Work with the local office and IRC national leadership to develop or refine mental health and crisis related protocols

· As needed support or provide intake and assessment to individuals and families

· Provide training and guidance to IRC staff on behavioral health and trauma-informed practice

· Enhance and sustain partnerships with community mental health agencies to expand available resources to clients

· Carry a small caseload of 5-8 clients who are enrolled in the survivor of torture programs and provide intensive case management services, including developing self-sufficiency strategies, monitor progress, and provide support to clients in addressing housing, health, education, employment, financial assistance, legal issues, and other needs which may emerge. Coordinate with other IRC programs, and other service providers to meet the needs of clients.

· Participate in recruitment, onboarding process and retention of S&W interns and volunteers; supervise S&W interns when appropriate.

· Document activities through case noting and data entry

· Monitor program activity and quality through oversight and support related to case documentation

· Evaluate effectiveness of program related to client progress and individual service plan objectives

· Monitor data quality and track program data

· Generate accurate and timely reports

· Complete established training and participate in weekly consultation.

· Follow all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency

· Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Clinical Manager

**Position directly supervises:**Safety & Wellness Interns

**Other Internal and/or external contacts:**Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, mental health providers and systems

Job Requirements:

Language Skills:

· Fluency in English

· Bilingual in another language desired but not required

Work Experience:

· Two years of progressively responsible experience in the mental health/social services sector preferred.

· One year of progressively responsible experience in refugee services preferred.

Education:

· Masters’ degree with a focus on mental health or social services -preferred.

· Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Experience in assessing and responding to mental health concerns including suicidal ideation and substance abuse

· Experience in assessing and responding to safety concerns including those related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other issues related to interpersonal violence

· Case management experience in a social services environment strongly preferred, ideally with refugees, asylum seekers, and highly traumatized populations

· Experience in providing training, coaching, and/or supervision

· Knowledge of the mental health and social service system in the geographic area

· Experience working with refugees and immigrants strongly preferred; lived experience as a refugee or immigrant highly valued

· Strong understanding of trauma informed care and commitment to client centered, strengths based, and culturally appropriate services

· Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

· Highly organized with excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively

· High level of energy, motivation, and dedication to continuously improve service delivery

· Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment

· Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age

· Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment combined with community-based work. At times this position may also be remote depending on the COVID-19 context.

Compensation:

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

US Benefits:

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.