Clinical Psychologist for Children and their Caregivers - Bekaa

In January 2014 as part of IRC child protection programs, the IRC began implementing a specialized project which serves at-risk and vulnerable working children in child labor, including in its worst forms (street, mechanics, and construction). Service provisions include providing psychosocial support and case management services for street and working children in Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Akkar, and Bekaa.

Assessments, conducted by the IRC in March and April 2020, demonstrate that caregivers and children are under extreme levels of distress as a result of the economic and social impact of COVID-19, when asked about the three main behaviors and emotions children are currently exhibiting caregivers responded first worry, second fear and third anger. Most of the caregivers responded that their children are demonstrating negative emotions, and others expressed that they were experiencing anxiety. COVID-19 and the current situation in the country have filtrated numerous aspects of the lives of Syrian refugees, and other vulnerable groups such as the Palestinian and stateless communities which increases the likelihood of families adopting negative coping mechanisms. Families are forced to restrict their movements and remain in close quarters on a daily basis, with diminished access to resources.

The consultant, a clinical psychologist for children and their caregivers will provide clinical supervision of high-risk cases mainly under the case management component or their caregivers as needed and indicated by the manager or case management officer. The psychologist will conduct face-to-face, one-on-one, and group sessions for children exposed to high risks, vulnerabilities, and distress. In addition, the consultant will support case workers through coaching sessions to build their capacity to deal with children with challenging behaviors when/if needed.

Deliverables:

• Conduct one-on-one and group sessions for children exposed to high-risk vulnerabilities, through home visits, or within the Case management room in the municipalities or at the IRC’s partner premises.
• Provide structured clinical assessments and clear case formulation: Assess the needs of the beneficiaries on the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional levels.
• Use standardized assessment tools.
• Develop a consistent and acceptable treatment plan with clear objectives in relevance to the need assessment with a logical and consistent timeframe that includes estimated dates for case evaluation, closure, and post-support check-up.
• Monitor and evaluate the psychological progress of the patient.
• Maintain irreproachable levels of confidentiality and privacy.
• Complete intake assessments, evaluations, treatment recommendations, reviews, follow-up, and other documentation for each consultation and as necessary in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ensure that emergency cases are properly managed, referred to, and followed.
• Submit reports and updates on the cases to the manager of the program, the Case management officer, and the designated case worker after every session or field visit, including feedback, concerns, and recommendations for the case of every child.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Child Protection Manager and coordinates with the Case management officer
• Position directly supervises: N/A
• Other Internal and/or external contacts: MHPSS Technical Advisor

Requirements:

Education:

The qualified candidate must have a MA in clinical psychology.

A completed clinical training/practicum in a university center consisting of at least 100 hours of training under supervision and 300 hours of applied training.

Having:

• Lebanese colloquium certificate for clinical psychologists.
• License to practice the clinical psychology profession from the Ministry of Public Health.
• N.B: A letter of recommendation from a senior clinical psychologist supervisor (holder of a doctorate and/or a scholar) and membership in one of the registered psychological associations of Lebanon is preferable.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in MHPSS.
• Skilled and experienced in evidence-based approaches to mental health (e.g., IPT, CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR).
• Previous experience training MHPSS staff and supervising implementation is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting children at a high-risk level.
• Knowledge of and experiences in using established inter-agency standards and guidelines in MHPSS and CP, such as the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, Setting the Standard – A Common Approach to Child Protection for International NGOs,  and Minimum Standards for Child Protection In Humanitarian Action.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination, and safety of beneficiaries always.
• Excellent communication.
• Ability to develop a consistent and acceptable improvement plan with clear objectives.
• Ability to recognize mental health priority conditions as per the mhGAP.
• Skilled in at least one evidenced-based psychotherapy approach.
• Using different relaxation and stress management techniques.
• Ability to develop rapport with the patient.
• Interviewing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity, and flexibility.
• Experience providing clinical supervision or leading training is a plus.
• Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and responsibly escalate issues.
• Excellent coaching skills, including the capacity to provide structured feedback.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, non-discrimination, and readiness to work with men, women, and girls and boys from diverse backgrounds, particularly the most marginalized segments of the community.
• Ability to adhere to ethical considerations and principles regarding work with vulnerable populations.

Candidate must be skilled in:

• Developing person-centered, goal and strength-focused, recovery-oriented care plans.
• Mental health in complex emergencies (IASC guidelines, Psychological First Aid, mhGAP…).
•  Biopsychosocial model in mental health.
• Community-based approach in mental health.
• Human rights-based approach in mental health.
• Knowledge about the predictable stresses of humanitarian aid workers and the policies and practices needed to mitigate them.
• Good digital literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet use.

Language Skills: 

• Ability to fluently communicate, read, and write in Arabic and English.