The MHPSS Assistant will provide support to the Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Department in overseeing the implementation of MHPSS activities. The assistant will be responsible for assisting with program planning, implementation, and reporting to ensure the smooth running of MHPSS services. This role aligns with the HIAS Refugee Rights Framework by assisting in efforts to uphold the rights of forcibly displaced migrants and refugees, ensuring protection from violence and discrimination, and supporting their recovery from the trauma of displacement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the coordination of support or self-help groups session with logistics and preparation.
• Assist in the facilitation psychoeducational dialogues with the community based on their interests and needs, supporting the planning, and executing these sessions.
• Aid in integrating community-based MHPSS capacity-building activities and other supportive recreational or social activities for vulnerable refugees and host community members, collaborating in organizing and executing these events.
• Participate in and assist with community-based activities to identify and refer individuals in need of specialized individual interventions or additional services.
• Administer pre- and post-assessments with individuals and families participating in MHPSS group activities, assisting with data collection and analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• A degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences, or a related field is preferred, but candidates with relevant experience in social support, community work, or volunteering in mental health and psychosocial support will also be considered.
• experience in community work or volunteering are desired.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in Spanish and English.
• Ability to interact respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate effectively with other professionals and community members.
• Basic ability to organize tasks and manage time efficiently.
• Interest and willingness to work with diverse populations and learn about cultural sensitivities.
• No specific technical knowledge required, but a willingness to learn about psychosocial assessment tools is valued.
• Flexibility to work different hours and willingness to participate in community activities as needed.
• Must be a team player and able to work with a range of diverse, vulnerable populations.
• Passionate about HIAS’ mission and values.
• Position for Arubans and persons with working permit in Aruba.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • ??? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • ??? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • ?????? (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • ???? (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • ??? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.