Introduction Evidence Frameworks Assessment Design Implementation MEAL Sector Pull-outs
Implementation
Sound staffing structures are key for effective, impactful programming. At the start of implementation, program teams should develop a staffing plan that establishes supervision that includes continuing coaching. When implementing MHPSS programs, keep in mind the following:
- Map and establish referral pathways before starting program activities.
- Make sure all staff understand how to use referral pathways.
- Equip staff with the necessary training, resources, and supervision to implement the selected interventions.
- Put in place standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dealing with suicidality, which is more common in youth compared to other age groups.
- Put in place safeguarding policies and procedures that adhere to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse requirements, USAID’s Child Safeguarding Guidance, and local safeguarding laws and guidelines.
Staffing MHPSS Programs for Impact and Success
Program staff should have technical training, resources, and supervision appropriate to the selected interventions. The following considerations are useful to keep in mind when developing the program’s staffing plan:
- MHPSS technical advisors: A MHPSS technical advisor should provide guidance and technical oversight to any program implementing MHPSS activities.
- National and local workforce capacity: It is important to create a workforce development plan that guides staff through the necessary on-the-job skill development for their roles as they work.
- Staff qualifications: Staff qualifications for MHPSS programming will vary dramatically depending on the program design.
Click here for more information on staffing MHPSS programs for impact and success.
Supervision and/or Coaching
All MHPSS programs should include systems for supervision, coaching, and in-service training. Keep in mind the following considerations:
- MHPSS supervision “is a relationship that supports the MHPSS worker’s technical competence and practice, promotes well-being and enables effective and supportive monitoring of case work.” The following resources provide guidance on what supervision is, and is not, in a social service workforce, sample job descriptions, training resources, guidance on staff care and well-being, and templated resources:
Good Practice for Working with Populations with High Levels of Distress
Youth engagement: UNICEF's “MHPSS and Participation” document includes a section focused on DNH considerations when working with youth and discusses a range of critical topics, including informed consent and confidentiality, unrealistic expectations, stigma and other risks, culturally relevant and adolescent-friendly tools, and feedback and accountability.
Trauma-informed and healing-centered approach to MHPSS programming: Adopting a trauma-informed approach means understanding the bio-psychosocial impact of trauma and using that knowledge to guide the programs.
Tools for adopting a trauma-informed approach
- SAMHSA Technical Note on Trauma-Informed Approach
- Chemonics Trauma-Informed Approaches to Development Checklist
Protection mainstreaming and accountability to affected populations: Programs in emergency contexts should refer to the USAID/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance’s Emergency Application Guidelines (Section 10.6 Accountability to Affected Populations, protection mainstreaming). Additional information on accountability to affected populations can be found in the IASC Revised Commitments on Accountability to Affected Populations Guidance Note.
Psychological First Aid (PFA): PFA is a basic skill set for first responders that includes knowing how to talk with someone who is distressed, often due to a recent critical event.
Suicide Prevention and Response: We recommend the following when implementing MHPSS programming:
- Develop SOPs for suicide prevention and response and mandate that all staff are trained in the SOPs.
- Ensure that referral pathways are clear on where and how to refer anyone with suicidal ideation.
- Suicide prevention is a priority, however, do not attempt to raise awareness or engage in suicide prevention activities until you have in place prevention or treatment options and referral pathways for anyone who needs help.
Consider available national resources (e.g., a national suicide hotline) and how to connect program staff and beneficiaries with those resources.
MHPSS Implementation Tools
- I Support My Friends: Published by Save the Children, UNICEF, and WHO, this PFA toolkit is designed for use with adolescents ages nine or older.
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) PFA Tools: IFRC has several PFA tools on its website, most of which are available in several languages.
- WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP): In use since 2008, WHO mhGAP includes several mental health resources that can inform program design and implementation.
- HAT: Helping Adolescents Thrive: The HAT guidelines and toolkit promote mental health and the prevention of mental disorders, self-harm, and other risk behaviors in adolescents.
Click here for Do No Harm considerations in the implementation phase.