Anti-Trafficking Psychologist

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering high quality, holistic approaches, which combine international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan Region. SEED’s programming focuses on three key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-development programs; and 3) ​promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy.

About SEED Foundation’s Anti-Trafficking Programming: SEED’s anti-trafficking unit provides comprehensive services for survivors of trafficking, or those at risk, through the provision of shelter and case management, including mental health and psychosocial support and legal services; strengthen existing public justice system policies and procedures to enhance protections for survivors and those at risk through the development of referral mechanisms and collaboration with key Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) stakeholders; build capacity of first responders to identify and implement legislation using a survivor-centered approach, through training and ongoing mentorship; and raise awareness of trafficking in persons through the use of various mediums to uphold rights and improve protections for survivors. SEED operates the STEPS Center, a shelter for survivors of trafficking and those at-risk, exists to protect, empower, and support the recovery and reintegration of its residents and is maintained through a public-private partnership between SEED and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The objectives of the safe house are to 1) provide safe housing to survivors and those at-risk; 2) provide comprehensive services to survivors necessary to support their recovery and reintegration goals, including services for physical health, mental health, legal support, economic empowerment, social support, and long-term housing options; and 3) equip residents to know and claim their rights. STEPS Center staff are committed to providing services that are survivor-centered, rights-based, trauma-informed, and non-discriminatory.

Role of the Psychologist: The Psychologist will protect, empower and support the recovery of survivors of trafficking and those at risk through provision of comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support services. The psychologist will provide therapeutic services, including assessment, individual and group therapy and referrals, through in person sessions at the STEPS Center and through mobile services primarily within the Erbil governorate. While all psychologists will receive training and supervision, successful candidates must be compassionate, confident, diligent, trustworthy, resourceful, interested in learning new skills, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. The Psychologist will work with team members and clients of different religious, ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds. All services will be provided in accordance with international ethical standards. 

Specific Tasks:

• Provide confidential critical care to survivors of trafficking and those at risk throughout KRI (primarily within Erbil governorate) through in person sessions at the STEPS Center and through mobile services for clients who are community based. This will include a needs assessment and provision of psychosocial support in order to determine the survivor’s interest in and need for continued services.
• Collaborate closely with the Anti-TIP Case Management Team to contribute to the development of Care Plans, with specific focus on mental health needs. Ensure particularly complicated cases are identified and referred to the MHPSS Advisor.
• Provide confidential ongoing MHPSS services to residents and clients, as needed, to include the collaborative development of a Treatment Plan using SMART goals. 
• Utilize assessment tools, in keeping with SEED’s case management strategy.
• Document all interactions with clients or other contacts in relation to a client’s case in accordance with SEED’s case management system.
• Develop and facilitate effective group sessions, as relevant to the population being served.
• Participate in supervision sessions with the Anti-TIP Service Delivery Coordinator and MHPSS Advisor, as required.
• Attend relevant training sessions, as assigned, to ensure that the highest quality services can be delivered.
• Participate in the development and implementation of outreach and community engagement plans.
• Maintain positive relationships with program partners.

• University degree in psychology or counseling.
• Written and spoken English, Kurdish skills, with Arabic a plus

• Experience providing psychological therapies to clients
• Experiencing working with trafficking survivors and/or migrant workers, a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to gain trust and build relationships with team members and clients 
• Treat all people with respect regardless of age, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status and ethnicity
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems
• Strong ability to work independently, including the ability to multitask, prioritize competing tasks, and manage time effectively
• Highly motivated and able to exercise initiative
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environment
• Serve as a positive role model and SEED ambassador at all times.

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this Link.
• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 
• In order for an application to be considered valid, SEED only accepts online profiles duly completed. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. NO CALLS PLEASE.