Psychotherapist

AMURT Lebanon Background:

AMURT’s mission is to help improve the quality of life for the poor and disadvantaged people of the world, and those affected by calamity and conflict. It aims to assist individuals and communities to secure life’s necessities and to gain greater social and economic fulfillment, while honoring individuals’ customs, language, and religious beliefs.

AMURT Lebanon registered in 2012 as an independent charitable organization and is affiliated with the AMURT Global Network, headquartered in Washington, USA.

Since 2012, AMURT has been addressing the Syrian crisis and its effects, as well as hardships the Lebanese community is experiencing. Its programs have ranged from disaster relief and emergency response, to psychosocial support, diverse education programs, child protection, social stability, and is currently focusing on the livelihoods sector.

Vocational Opportunities for Youths in Chouf and Aley:

Under this current project, funded by BMZ and KNH Germany, 500 youths between 15 and 25 years old are offered vocational qualification courses that encourage and support the Dual System approach, in addition to psychosocial support and other activities. The aim is to offer youth the space to grow, work on their self-development, and train not only in theoretical but also practical skills that are relevant for their future occupations and, most importantly, are oriented towards the actual needs of the Lebanese market.

Job Purpose:                                                                                                                 

With the support and supervision of the Head Psychotherapist, the Psychotherapist is responsible for providing clinical assessments and offering individual and group therapy sessions to youth facing social and psychological difficulties.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Aiding in the planning of PSS activities and procedures to be implemented in these activities.
• Conducting assessments to identify severity of mental health symptoms, diagnosing when needed, and developing treatment approaches suitable for each beneficiary.
• Offering individual and group therapy sessions with youth facing psychosocial difficulties.
• Conducting home visits and family interventions when needed.
• Coordinating with the social workers regarding youth’s progress and activities planned.
• Offering possibilities for referrals to different specialized settings if needed.
• Researching for new therapeutic methods and constantly adapting therapeutic plans according to beneficiaries’ needs and best interests.
• Preparing monthly and quarterly reports in collaboration with the PSS Team.
• Offering trainings to staff on how identify signs of psychological vulnerabilities, how to work with youth with psychosocial difficulties, and when to refer to the PSS Team.
• Offering assistance to staff members when needed including guidance and self-care.
• Preparing workshops and awareness sessions needed for different stakeholders.
• Networking with Lebanese mental health community to stay updated on workshops offered, possible referral options, and latest findings.
• Attending weekly Focal Points meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Others as required and agreed upon with the Vocational Project Coordinator.

Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Strong problem analysis and assessment skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Good MS Office and data entry skills
• Demonstrated capacity to innovate and think creatively
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental
• Sensitive and respectful of ethnic and cultural differences
• Approachable, trustworthy and discrete
• Willingness to improve own knowledge and skills by participating actively in training sessions and capacity building activities
• Committed to equality and social inclusion
• Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment

Overall Monthly Reporting: Head Psychotherapist and Vocational Project Coordinator

Direct Daily Reporting: Head Psychotherapist

Collaborates with: Other PSS Team members, Head Teacher, Teachers, Facilitators

Other Contacts: Outreach Liaison, Bus Drivers, Kitchen Team

Personal Characteristics

• Enthusiastic and empathetic
• Highly approachable, trustworthy, and discrete
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and also an awareness of its limitations
• Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment
• Neutrality and ability to separate own feelings from those of the beneficiaries
• A non-judgmental attitude and respect for others
• Commitment to equality and social inclusion
• Willingness to improve own knowledge and skills by participating actively in any training sessions and capacity building activities
• Driving license needed and willingness to drive to remote areas on a daily basis