District MHPSS Assistant-Mardan

Relief International (RI), a global non-profit organization dedicated to supporting communities affected by climate change and disasters, is seeking a District Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Assistant. This role supports the delivery of safe, accessible mental health and psychosocial services within an assigned district, including wellbeing centers, mobile clinics, community outreach, and home-based activities. Reporting to the District MHPSS Officer and receiving technical guidance from the Provincial MHPSS Coordinator, the Assistant provides practical support, facilitates Psychological First Aid (PFA), ensures confidential service navigation, and maintains accurate records. The position plays a crucial role in helping participants access appropriate support while clinical decisions remain with qualified practitioners. This opportunity is open on a rolling basis and will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.

Key Responsibilities

Accessible Services and District Activity Support:
Welcome participants respectfully, explain available services and feedback channels, and assist with appointment scheduling and reception while maintaining confidentiality. Prepare sessions and activities by organizing materials, private spaces, and supplies alongside the Officer. Promote participation among women, girls, persons with specific needs, and vulnerable groups, raising any access barriers to the Officer. Clearly communicate voluntary participation and confidentiality, supporting informed consent and assent procedures as needed.

Supervised Psychosocial Support and Outreach:
Provide Psychological First Aid and basic practical support only after completing approved training and under supervision. Assist with group and community wellbeing activities without requiring participants to share traumatic experiences. Support awareness initiatives on coping strategies, stigma reduction, and service availability, referring individuals needing further support for confidential follow-up. Participate in inclusive home visits and mobile outreach with the team, adhering to consent, safeguarding, and security protocols. The Assistant must not diagnose, counsel independently, prescribe medication, or make clinical decisions.

Service Navigation and Urgent Escalation:
Help participants understand appointments, referrals, and access arrangements approved by qualified staff. Liaise with referral partners without promising services beyond Relief International’s scope. Recognize warning signs of severe distress or safety concerns and promptly escalate to the Officer or clinical focal point. Follow emergency escalation procedures and assist with practical support without independently managing clinical crises. Support safe follow-up and flag missed appointments or access issues for review.

Records, Accountability, and Safeguarding:
Maintain accurate, coded records of attendance, activities, and supplies using approved tools, distinguishing new participants from repeat contacts. Protect participant information through secure storage and restricted access, keeping sensitive clinical and safeguarding details separate from general reports. Explain feedback mechanisms, relay service concerns, and report safeguarding allegations promptly through designated channels without conducting investigations. Support independent monitoring and evaluation activities while ensuring participation is voluntary and confidential.

Teamwork, Quality, and Professional Conduct:
Engage in supervision, training, and district reviews; seek guidance when tasks exceed competence. Maintain professional boundaries and comply with Relief International’s Code of Conduct, safeguarding policies, and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Report misconduct or data breaches through appropriate channels. Monitor readiness of activity spaces and supplies, report shortages or damage, and adhere to infection prevention, travel, and security protocols. Support emergency activities only with prior written approval and document these separately.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, or a related social or health discipline is essential. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience in community, psychosocial, health, or protection programs, including respectful direct engagement with vulnerable populations. Ability to complete approved PFA and safeguarding training and demonstrate practical competencies is required. Proficiency in Pashto, Urdu, and a local district language, along with basic English reading and reporting skills, is necessary. Strong record-keeping, basic computer literacy, sound confidentiality practices, and willingness to travel regularly within the district are also essential.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Experience supporting mobile teams, wellbeing centers, community groups, adolescents, caregivers, or persons with specific needs is desirable. Prior PFA training and familiarity with consent-based referral procedures and digital service-tracking tools are advantageous.

Relief International upholds humanitarian principles and values integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, with a special emphasis on female applicants.