Logistics Officer - OCC at Save the Children

Team objective

The team ensures the coordination and supervision of high-quality Child Protection services for children affected by the Ebola response through the Child Observation and Care Center (OCC). It oversees the identification, registration, case management, family tracing, reunification, alternative care, psychosocial support, and follow-up of unaccompanied, separated, orphaned, or particularly vulnerable children.

In collaboration with government authorities, UNICEF, health actors and child protection partners, the team strengthens coordination, information management, referral mechanisms and quality assurance so that every child benefits from appropriate protection services in accordance with national and inter-agency standards.

Job Purpose

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer, reporting to the OCC Manager, is responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of mental health and psychosocial support interventions within the OCC. They ensure that children and their caregivers receive appropriate psychosocial support, preventive and curative interventions, and referrals to specialized services when necessary. The position also contributes to staff capacity building and the integration of MHPSS services into all OCC activities.

SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

Reports to: MHPSS Manager / Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Employees who must report to this position: Psychosocial Assistants

Direct: Yes

Indirect: No

Budgetary Responsibilities: Yes

Role dimensions:

Interns

OCC Manager, Site Supervisor, Child Protection Officers, Case Managers, Social Workers, Health Team, MEAL Team and Operations Teams.

External

Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs/Social Services, UNICEF, WHO, MHPSS partners, health structures, community leaders and providers specializing in mental health and psychosocial support. 

• Assess the psychosocial and emotional needs of children and caregivers affected by the Ebola response and identify those requiring additional support.
• Provide age-appropriate psychosocial support, including psychological first aid, individual sessions, group activities, and structured psychosocial activities.
• Design, implement and supervise MHPSS activities within the OCC and other designated response sites.
• Identify children and caregivers requiring specialized mental health services and ensure their rapid and secure referral.
• Working closely with social workers, case managers, nurses, WASH teams and other MHPSS stakeholders.
• Supporting children facing distress, grief, loss, stigma, anxiety or other psychosocial difficulties related to the Ebola epidemic.
• Strengthening the capacity of caregivers to provide emotional support, positive parenting and protective care for children.
• Provide technical support and guidance to child protection teams and community workers on basic psychosocial support and psychological first aid.
• Coordinate with health structures, social services and specialist providers in order to strengthen referral mechanisms and continuity of care.
• Support community-based awareness-raising activities aimed at reducing stigma, promoting positive coping mechanisms and improving access to MHPSS services.
• Ensure accurate and confidential documentation of MHPSS activities and contribute to program monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Ensure that all MHPSS interventions are implemented in accordance with applicable standards, safeguarding principles, confidentiality requirements and the best interests of the child.
• Support staff well-being initiatives and identify psychosocial risks affecting frontline workers.