The Venezuelan Red Cross (CRV) is a humanitarian organization whose mandate is to save lives and improve the conditions of vulnerable people. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it provides timely assistance in emergencies, disasters, and other humanitarian crises.
Guided by its Fundamental Principles—Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality—the CRV acts as an auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field, working to reduce human suffering without distinction of race, gender, religion, or ideology. Its work encompasses emergency medical care, strengthening community resilience, first aid training, disaster response, and the promotion of health and well-being.
Through a network of highly committed volunteers, the CRV efficiently and effectively mobilizes resources to be present where and when they are most needed. Its work is based on solidarity, respect for human dignity, and a commitment to protecting life in all its forms.
If you want to be part of the team and make a difference, we invite you to join us.
How can you make a difference? Key functions / Responsibilities
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer (SMAPS) is responsible for the technical and operational implementation of mental health and psychosocial support interventions of the Venezuelan Red Cross, ensuring safe, culturally appropriate, evidence-based care in accordance with the international standards of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
He/She will be in charge of:
- Implement and monitor mental health and psychosocial support activities in coordination with the Health Coordination.
- Supporting CRV subsidiaries in the planning and execution of SMAPS interventions, adapted to the needs of each context.
- Identify psychosocial needs in vulnerable communities, staff and volunteers, and propose appropriate interventions.
- Provide technical assistance to branch teams for the development of safe spaces and psychosocial activities in emergencies, crisis situations and recovery processes.
- Design and implement training in psychological first aid (PFA), psychosocial support, self-care and community mental health for staff and volunteers.
- Strengthen the integration of the SMAPS component into health, protection and disaster preparedness programs.
- Support the design and use of assessment and monitoring tools to measure the impact and quality of SMAPS interventions.
- Coordinate with internal sectors (health, protection, risk management, volunteering) to ensure a comprehensive psychosocial response.
- Promoting self-care, mental health and stress management among CRV staff and volunteers.
- Prepare technical and operational reports on the progress of the SMAPS programs.
- To technically represent the CRV in inter-institutional coordination spaces and meetings with key allies in the field of mental health and psychosocial support, with prior authorization from the Health Coordination.
- Apply humanitarian principles, confidentiality, and professional ethics in all activities.
- Perform other tasks assigned by your immediate superiors that contribute to the fulfillment of the objectives of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support area.
Report
The Health Officer will report to the Project Manager.
Workplace
Caracas, with availability to travel nationwide.
To qualify as a builder of the Venezuelan humanitarian system, you must meet the following requirements:
- University degree in psychology or psychiatry (mandatory).
- Specific training in mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian contexts (desirable).
- Minimum experience of three (3) years in the implementation of SMAPS programs or in psychosocial care in community or emergency settings.
- Knowledge of psychological first aid, community mental health, self-care and psychosocial protection.
- Experience in facilitating training and workshops for volunteers or technical staff.
- Ability to work with vulnerable populations and in sensitive contexts, applying safe and culturally relevant approaches.
- Ability to prepare technical reports and systematize experiences.
- Strong communication, empathy, organizational, and teamwork skills.
- Basic knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies (desirable).
- Commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
- Fluency in Spanish. Basic knowledge of English is desirable.
- High sense of responsibility, professional ethics and confidentiality.
How to apply
All those interested in applying for the position and who meet all or most of the requirements for the role should send their CV to the email address: postulaciones@cruzrojavenezolana.org
The email subject line should say:
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer_Caracas
CVs received without the title assigned to the call will be discarded.
Please review the professional requirements to be eligible.