Psychologist (Female) – Erbil – (KRI/022)

INTERSOS is an international, non-profit, humanitarian organization on the front line of emergencies, bringing assistance to victims of armed conflicts, natural disasters, and extreme exclusion with particular attention to the protection of the most vulnerable people. Since 1992 our humanitarian workers have been helping people affected by humanitarian crises: we provide first aid, food, shelter, medical assistance, and basic goods. We ensure that basic needs, such as education, access to clean water, and health assistance, are met.

All INTERSOS employees are expected to perform their roles and responsibilities according to the INTERSOS charter of values, code of ethics, PSEA and Child Protection policies. The job description is mandatory for all positions within INTERSOS and shall be signed by the employee within the first week of employment.

Purpose/objective of the position:

The Psychologist is responsible for providing specialized services and individual psychological support for people with moderate to severe mental or emotional disorders in the different areas of intervention. In addition, the psychologist provides technical support to the PSS workers and the protection staff to implement sound psychosocial support (PSS) activities.

Generic Duties:

• Assist beneficiaries with identified mental or emotional disorders that were referred by Case Managers/Workers or external agencies;
• Conduct case-by-case needs assessments for the diagnosis of psychological disorders and identification of treatment and therapy;
• Develop individual assistance plans and conduct psychological counselling utilizing various techniques;
• Document progress on cases, maintaining strict protocols for confidentiality and consent;
• Provide group and individual counselling sessions, according to identified needs;
• Facilitate internal trainings to PSS workers and other Protection staff on the provision of basic psychosocial counselling as part of case management;
• Facilitate trainings for internal outreach staff and partners working in the communities on psychosocial first aid (PFA);
• Strengthen community based psychosocial support and peer support group activities;
• Provide input and evidence on key protection risks and concerns for awareness sessions and information dissemination by outreach team;
• Work in close collaboration with technical staff (Protection Manager and MHPSS Officer/ Specialist) for the development of the project’s overall PSS component;
• Provide coaching and support to the field staff in the implementation of structured PSS activities;
• Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to: do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality and accountability and need-to-know principles.

Specific Duties:

(Can be adapted to the particularities of the job location and the requirement of the specific project, but should be approved by the Protection Coordinator before advertising the vacancy).

• Conduct individual psychological sessions with identified cases with psychological disorders.
• Provide technical guidance to the development of the MHPSS program and related material;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of PSS activities/toolkits on beneficiaries;
• Train and support PSS workers in the identification of individuals (adults and children) with moderate to severe psycho-social challenges
• Assess individuals’ needs and develop support and treatment plans
• Provide individual counselling sessions for individuals using various techniques
• Document progress on cases, maintaining strict protocols for confidentiality and consent;
• Plan together with PSS worker for the structure PSS sessions adopting the adult well-being curriculum and collaborate to the revision of the tools when needed;
• Support the development of monitoring tools and ensure follow-up with PSS workers on individuals’ and families’ coping strategies and improved psycho-social well-being
• Facilitate internal trainings to PSS workers on the provision of basic psychosocial counselling and psychosocial first aid (PFA);
• Support PSS workers and caseworkers in the assessment of peer support groups’ psycho-social needs and resources
• Support the development of tailored curricula and approaches to strengthen community based psychosocial support and peer support group activities
• Provide input and evidence on key risks and concerns for awareness and dialogue-oriented sessions and co-facilitate pilot sessions to develop strategies to mitigate risks of re-traumatization
• Support facilitation of co-creation and reflection sessions with project participants
• Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to: do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality and accountability and need-to-know principles.
• Any other assignments related to the component.

Person Specification:

Education and professional experience:

• University Degree in Psychology or Psychological counsellor;
• Relevant work experience as a psychologist/ clinical psychologist;
• Strong knowledge of psycho-social programming in the humanitarian context.
• Minimum three years relevant professional experience in the protection sector (of which at least one year in a supervisory role)
• Previous working experience with IDPs, refugees, returnees and host community;
• Strong knowledge of international protection and psycho-social programming in the humanitarian context.

Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Computer literacy (Word, Excel)
• Confidentiality, respect and non-discriminatory attitude
• Strong technical knowledge in protection and psycho-social support
• Ability to train people and build their knowledge and skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good analytical and reporting skills
• Ability to show empathy
• Ability to work under pressure

Languages : 

• Fluency in Arabic and Kurdish (written and spoken)
• Working knowledge in English (written and spoken)