Child Neuropsychologist

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Child Psychologist – Neuropsychological/Psychoeducational Assessment (Junior Level) supports the provision of neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents presenting for mental health services at the Embrace Community Mental Health Center (EMHC).

Given the acute scarcity of trained neuropsychologists in Lebanon, this position is designed as a supervised junior role with structured clinical oversight. Senior clinicians, however, are welcome to apply. The junior postholder will work directly under a designated senior psychologist, with a clearly defined supervision mechanism to ensure clinical quality and professional development.

The primary assessment scope covers developmental and learning-related presentations for children aged 6 to 21, including suspected Intellectual disability (ID) ADHD and learning disorders. The scope does not currently cover acquired disorders such as TBI, congenital disorders, epilepsy-related disorder, or ASD, but candidates with specific training in these areas are welcome to apply as well. The postholder should have experience in psychodiagnostics assessments, and conducting independent (or supervised) testing, scoring, interpretation, report writing, and patient feedback.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Assessment

• Conduct neuropsychological or psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents aged 6 to 21 using evidence-based theoretical models (e.g., CHC) and international guidelines (e.g., ICD, DSM)
• Administer, score and interpret standardized tools assessing: cognitive functioning, attention and executive functioning, learning difficulties, and behavioral and emotional functioning.
• Primary scope: suspected ID, ADHD, learning disorders (LD), and related developmental presentations.
• Conduct diagnostic interviews with parents and adolescents.
• Ensure assessments are conducted in a child-friendly, ethical, and culturally appropriate manner.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare clear and structured assessment reports including but not limited to background information, test results, clinical interpretation, and recommendations.
• All reports are reviewed and co-signed by the supervising senior psychologist prior to release.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within Embrace's electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality and data protection protocols.

Supervision and Case Coordination

• For junior postholders, participate in structured weekly individual supervision with the designated senior psychologist supervisor.
• Participate in case discussions, multidisciplinary team meetings, and clinical review sessions.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses in care planning.
• Contribute to referral pathways for therapy, psychiatric care, or external specialized services.
• Coordinate with schools and other educational professionals.

Family and Community Engagement

• Provide structured feedback to caregivers under supervision, using clear and accessible language.
• Support families in understanding assessment outcomes and recommended next steps.
• Engage with families in a culturally sensitive and non-stigmatizing manner.

Quality and Compliance

• Adhere to Embrace's clinical protocols and the National Mental Health Programme guidelines.
• Align with best practices in child and adolescent mental health.
• Participate in ongoing capacity building, peer learning, and training activities.

3. SUPERVISION STRUCTURE

The following supervision framework applies to junior postholders of this role:

• Supervison: MA or PhD level psychologist with at least 10 years’ experience in neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing in children and adults in Lebanon
• Supervision Type: Structured individual supervision + case review
• Frequency: Bi-Weekly with ad hoc consultation as needed
• Ongoing Practice: Independent administration of standardized tools; all reports reviewed and co-signed by supervisor prior to release
• Complex Cases: Co-assessment or direct supervisor involvement

4. QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Neuropsychology, Clinical Neuropsychology or Educational Psychology
• License to practice from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, member of the Lebanese Order of Psychologists
• Demonstrated training or supervised practice in neuropsychological or developmental assessment.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience; internship or practicum experience is accepted.
• Fluency in Arabic and English. French is an advantage.

Assessment Scope – Minimum Training Required

Candidates should have demonstrated training or supervised experience in at least the following areas:

• Administration and scoring of latest cognitive, educational, and neuropsychological batteries (e.g., Weschler scales, Woodcock Johnson Scales, ADHD scales, Delis Kaplan scales etc.)
• Assessment and differential formulation for ADHD and specific learning disorders.
• Basic familiarity with ASD and intellectual disability diagnostic criteria (DSM-5/ICD-11); direct assessment experience is an asset but not required at this level.
• Awareness of the limits of junior-level competency and commitment to operating within supervised scope.

Professional Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments.
• Independent competency with administrate and scoring standardized tools for children and adolescents.
• Ability to contribute to case formulation under supervision.
• Effective communication with children and caregivers, including psychoeducation.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Areas for Continued Capacity Building

• Child and adolescent mental health in humanitarian and post-conflict contexts.
• Developmental and learning disorders across the diagnostic spectrum.
• Family-centered and child-friendly clinical approaches.
• Biopsychosocial and community-based models in mental health.
• Human rights-based approach in mental health care.
• Mental health in complex emergencies (IASC guidelines, mhGAP, Psychological First Aid).

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative approach within a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective interpersonal communication, particularly with children and families.
• Professionalism and adherence to clinical and ethical standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with vulnerable populations.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability in a diverse clinical context.
• Receptiveness to supervision and commitment to professional growth.

5. REPORTING LINES

The Child Psychologist – Neuropsychological Assessment (Junior Level) reports to:

Direct Supervisor (Clinical): senior psychologist responsible for neuropsychic supervision

Administrative Line: Clinical Advisor and Clinic Programs Manager

Coordination: Director of the Clinical Training Program