Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer (SMAPS) At Venezuelan Red Cross

The Venezuelan Red Cross (CRV) is a humanitarian organization whose mandate is to save lives and improve the conditions of people in vulnerable situations. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it provides timely assistance in emergencies, disasters and contexts of humanitarian need.

Guided by its Fundamental Principles —Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Volunteering, Unity and Universality—, the CRV acts as an auxiliary to public powers in the humanitarian field, working to reduce human suffering without distinction of race, gender, religion or ideology. Its work encompasses emergency medical care, strengthening community resilience, first aid training, disaster response, and promoting health and well-being.

Through a network of highly engaged volunteers, CRV mobilizes resources efficiently and effectively to be present where it is needed most, when it is needed most. Its work is based on solidarity, respect for human dignity and commitment to the protection of life in all its forms.

If you want to be part of the team and make a difference, we invite you to join.

How can you make a difference? Key functions/Responsibilities

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer (SMAPS) is responsible for the technical and operational implementation of the mental health and psychosocial support interventions of the Venezuelan Red Cross, ensuring safe, culturally appropriate, evidence-based care in accordance with the international standards of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

He/she will be in charge of:

• Implement and monitor mental health and psychosocial support activities in coordination with the Health Coordination.
• Support CRV affiliates in the planning and execution of SMAPS interventions, adapted to the needs of each context.
• Identify psychosocial needs in vulnerable communities, staff and volunteers, and propose appropriate interventions.
• Provide technical assistance to subsidiary teams for the development of safe spaces and psychosocial activities in emergencies, crisis situations and recovery processes.
• Design and implement training in psychological first aid (PAP), psychosocial support, self-care and community mental health for staff and volunteers.
• Strengthen the integration of the SMAPS component in health, protection and disaster preparedness programs.
• Support the design and use of evaluation and monitoring tools to measure the impact and quality of SMAPS interventions.
• Coordinate with internal sectors (health, protection, risk management, volunteering) to ensure a comprehensive psychosocial response.
• Promote self-care, mental health and stress management in CRV staff and volunteers.
• Prepare technical and operational reports on the progress of SMAPS programs.
• Technically represent the CRV in spaces for inter-institutional coordination and meetings with key allies in the field of mental health and psychosocial support, with prior authorization from the Health Coordination.
• Apply humanitarian principles, confidentiality and professional ethics in all activities.
• Execute other tasks assigned by your immediate superiors that contribute to the fulfillment of the objectives of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support area.

Report

The Health Officer will report to the Project Manager.

Workplace

Caracas, with availability to travel nationwide.

To qualify as a builder of the Venezuelan humanitarian system you must meet the following requirements:

• University degree in psychology or psychiatry (mandatory).
• Specific training in mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian contexts (desirable).
• Minimum of three (3) years experience implementing SMAPS programs or in psychosocial care in community or emergency settings.
• Knowledge of psychological first aid, community mental health, self-care and psychosocial protection.
• Experience in facilitating training and workshops for volunteers or technical staff.
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations and in sensitive contexts, applying safe and culturally relevant approaches.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and systematize experiences.
• Strong communication, empathy, organization and teamwork skills.
• Basic knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies (desirable).
• Commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
• Fluency in Spanish. Basic knowledge of English is desirable.
• High sense of responsibility, professional ethics and confidentiality.