Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officers (2 Positions)

Position Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officers
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Deborah Academy, Sheger City Administration Legetafo Legedadi Sub City

Full time

Fixed term contract

About Deborah Foundation

Established in 2019, Deborah Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in Ethiopia with a mission to improve the lives of children with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities through support in Health, Education, and Policy Advocacy.

Position Overview

Deborah Foundation is hiring two Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officers to lead and implement psychosocial support services across its programs. The officers will work directly with children born with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, while also providing tailored support for their families, caregivers, and staff. The goal is to enhance emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and foster inclusive, nurturing environments at home, in school, and in the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct psychosocial support to children with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, including one-on-one counseling and group sessions.
• Conduct mental health screenings and assessments, and refer cases for specialized services when needed.
• Offer guidance and psychoeducation to parents and caregivers to promote supportive home environments.
• Support teachers and staff in managing behavioral and emotional challenges in the classroom.
• Organize community and school-based mental health awareness events.
• Facilitate capacity-building sessions for staff on child protection, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practices.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of MHPSS strategies aligned with the foundation’s goals.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality and ethical standards are upheld.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychiatry, Psychology, Clinical or Educational Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in MHPSS programming, ideally with children or in inclusive education settings.
• Familiarity with intellectual and developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and inclusive education approaches.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Fluency in Amharic and English is required.

Number of Positions

• Our Foundation is seeking to hire 2 Mental health and psychosocial support officers.