Overview
The Psychologist – Maternal Mental Health is responsible for delivering structured group-based psychosocial support sessions for pregnant and lactating mothers, with provision of focused individual support based on assessed needs. The role contributes to strengthening maternal emotional well-being, stress management, adjustment to motherhood, and positive caregiving practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide orientation and structured capacity-building sessions for Community Health Workers (CHWs) on safe delivery of basic psychosocial support and focused MHPSS interventions.
- Conduct regular supportive supervision sessions to ensure quality, safe delivery, and adherence to SCI standards.
- Support CHWs in identifying mothers at risk and applying basic psychosocial support techniques appropriately.
- Participate in joint reflection sessions and case discussions as needed.
- Identify mothers showing signs of elevated psychological distress or psychosocial risk.
- Conduct basic psychosocial screening using SCI-approved tools when required.
- Refer high-risk or complex cases to specialized mental health, medical, or protection services through established referral pathways.
- Follow up on referred cases in coordination with relevant service providers and internal project focal points, as appropriate.
- Coordinate closely with Health, Nutrition, MHPSS, and Case Management teams to ensure holistic support for PLMs.
- Contribute technical input to integrated maternal and child health programming.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and internal referrals as required.
- Maintain accurate, confidential session records and referral documentation.
- Use SCI monitoring tools to track participation, needs, and emerging trends.
- Contribute to reporting, lessons learned, and recommendations for program improvement.
- Ensure adherence to safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection standards.
Required Experience
Minimum of three to four years of experience providing community-based psychosocial or mental health support, preferably to women, mothers, or caregivers. Demonstrated experience in facilitating structured group-based psychosocial sessions. Experience in providing focused individual psychosocial support based on assessed needs. Experience in providing orientation, mentoring, or supportive supervision to community-based workers or facilitators. Strong understanding of maternal mental health, stress, and caregiving dynamics. Experience in referral systems and coordination within multidisciplinary teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
