Website Possible
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Mental Health Research Officer
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Possible is a collaboration between an independent Nepal-based non-governmental organization and a US-based non-profit. We are two entities that operate independently, with a mutually interdependent partnership and a common goal of supporting health innovation in Nepal. Possible engages in rigorous and collaborative research and innovation to address evidence, implementation, and policy gaps in the equity, quality, and accessibility of healthcare. We envision a world where everyone, everywhere has access to high-quality healthcare rooted in evidence, inclusion, and equity. Our research endeavors and partnerships aim to address challenges in context and from stated or established needs rather than for the novelty of research. As such we partner with community-based organizations, public and private sector academic institutions, and research organizations to leverage research and evidence to inform and implement innovative solutions to healthcare challenges in Nepal. For the last 15 years, we have led Nepal’s healthcare innovation, with partnerships spanning several international institutions such as Harvard Medical School, the University of California San Francisco, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and the University of Washington.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Possible, a non-governmental organization registered in Nepal, is seeking a Mental Health Research Officer (MHRO) to provide support for implementation research in the field of mental health and behavioral interventions, including non-communicable diseases (NCD). This role will involve collaborating with Possible and its partner sites. The primary responsibilities of the Mental Health Research Officer will include planning, training, and supervising behavioral intervention-related activities for community health workers. The Mental Health Research Officer should see themselves as an advocate for Possible’s mission, vision, and values.
Reports to: Senior Mental Health Research Manager
Direct Reports: None
Works closely with: Works closely with Implementation research coordinators, research assistants, assessment staffs, community health workers
Location: Kathmandu with 50-60% travel to the partner sites
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Mental Health Research Officer will work closely with the Implementation Research Coordinators, research assistants, study team and partner sites, and will be chiefly responsible for the following areas of work:
1. Support in finalizing and implementing Mental Health and Behavioral Intervention Manual
a. Work with the team in drafting, seeking feedback, and finalizing mental health and behavioral intervention manuals for the implementation research;
b. Lead the translation process, including its validation of the manual in Nepali and/or relevant language;
c. Lead the adaptation of the intervention manual in the study setting;
d. Co-lead the development of adverse event protocol for the study, and plan for its implementation;
e. Support the implementation of mental health and behavioral interventionrelated research protocols at Possible;
f. Provide inputs in the grant applications and team discussion focused on MHrelated interventions.
2. Co-lead to provide individual and group training, as well as supportive supervision, aimed at supporting the MH and behavioral intervention
a. Support in planning and preparing the training for community health workers;
b. Lead the training and supportive supervision sessions as per the IR protocol;
c. Provide individual and group supportive supervision to the team (for example, community health workers, primary care providers, and research assistants (RAs) through regular field visits and supportive supervision sessions;
d. Ensure effective and ethical intervention delivery through regularly monitoring the process, field visits, and observation;
e. Schedule and attend regular supervision meetings with the mental health research manager, psychiatrist, and MH advisors;
f. Support in engaging with partner sites and stakeholders in collecting their feedback and inputs in the research process;
g. Provide counseling services and other immediate support to those having the risk of suicide and experiencing other adverse events as referred by the community health workers; also provide psychological support to the implementation research team whenever necessary.
3. Support documentation of the implementation process, including reporting the adverse/untoward events
a. Track the implementation of the MH and behavioral intervention in the study sites;
b. Prepare field-related reports and regularly update to the Implementation Research Coordinator, senior mental health research manager, PIs, and Co-Is;
c. Maintain regular case documentation;
d. Document opportunities, challenges, and issues in training, implementing, and supervising MH and behavioral interventions.
e. Work together with research coordinators, research assistants, and partner sites in following up and managing the participants with untoward events;
f. Provide support to reporting and other funders’ requirements for the research;
g. Participate in preparing manuscripts for submission to academic journals and plain language summary of the results to lay audiences.
The above list of responsibilities is not comprehensive and may be changed by the Mental health research officer and their Line Manager.
Must Haves:
1. Commitment to Possible’s Values, Mission & Vision
2. Ability to work independently and with a diverse team and a strong motivation and flexibility to travel to urban, semi-urban, and remote areas in Nepal
3. Passionate about counseling, training, supervision, and mental health research
4. Qualifications: Minimum Master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology or in a related field. Experiences: 2 years of experience in clinical case handling, and training and supervision of community psychosocial workers and psychosocial counselors
5. Proficiency in written and spoken English; high-level fluency in Nepali. Nepali Citizen based in Nepal.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Email CV and cover letter to recruitment@possiblehealth.org. When applying please include name and position in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled. Applications will be accepted until 22nd of June 2023. If we believe that you and Possible are good potential fit, we will contact you to advance the application process. Please note that due to a large volume of applications, we may not individually respond to your application.