Psychologist

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a faith based International NGO that has been working in Iraq for the past eight years. Our mission is to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS Iraq belongs to JRS Middle East and North Africa Regional Office coordinating the work in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. In 2022, twelve people work in the CO and JRS Iraq runs programmes mostly in Qaraqosh, Sharya and Sinuni for an approximate total of 150 staff members.

General Purpose of the Position

The Psychologist provides qualified psychosocial support services to internally displaced, and returnee persons, including genocide survivors, who live in and around Sinuni, Sinjar district, Ninewa, under the supervision of the MHPSS Director. It is expected from him/her to organise group sessions as well as personal appointment to improve people’s situation.

S/he works closely with the PD, the PD of IRQ 04 and IRQ 05, and CO MHPSS Officer.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

1. Consultations and Psychosocial Support Services

• Assess individuals’ needs, abilities or behavior using different methods such as interviews and direct observation of behavior
• Provide psychoeducation to service users
• Advise individuals dealing with psychological problems or disorders resulting from trauma and genocide
• Assist in the implementation of the MHPSS project in Sinuni, Sinjar
• Using appropriate treatment programmes such as therapy, counselling, or advice, in collaboration under the supervision of the MHPSS Director.
• Learn and teach technics that may be helpful to patients and colleagues.
• Organises session and/ or awareness sessions for staff, groups of beneficiaries, to improve their global knowledge on psycho-social issues.
• Offer therapy and treatments related to mental health problems such as: anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction, social and interpersonal problems and challenging behaviour and report each case to the Project Director at the end of each day.
• Intervention: individuals, families, and groups.
• Work in a team that includes a psychiatrist, lead psychologist, psychologists and junior psychologists, medical doctor, secretary, and driver within the broader setting of the JRS Community Centre in Sinuni

• 2.Seminars and Workshops

According to need and when it becomes possible again, in agreement with the MHPSS Director, who creates the guidelines and framework of each seminar:

• Conduct or assist in seminars and workshops to support genocide survivors by raising awareness on mental health issues.
• Organise sessions on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and the recognition of symptoms indicating psychological conditions for JRS staff.
• Provide psychoeducation to patients’ families
• Organise sessions on how to support persons in distress and trauma, or dealing with mental health issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak;
• Advise on the design and development of psychosocial activities implemented by the JRS Community Centre in Sinuni 

3. Recording and Reporting

• Maintain updated records on cases received in consultation, and on referral and follow-up treatments with due attention to confidentiality.
• Compile and submit weekly and monthly reports to the MHPSS Director.
• Forward to the MHPSS Director any suggestions for project development or recalibration, such as may be undertaken within the limits of JRS’ human and financial resources.

Identify gaps in PSS (Psychological and Social Support) and mental health care provision in the locations served by the project and report any such to the MHPSS Director immediately.

Availability

Undertakes any other duties as assigned by the Country Director that are within the ambit of the position.

• Compassion and commitment for refugees and other displaced persons;
• At least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, preferably in clinical psychology as well as good experience in Cognitive Behavioural therapy.
• Previous experience will be an asset
• Fluent Kurdish (Kurmanji) and Arabic
• Carefull with security issues
• Proficiency in written and spoken English will be an asset
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365TM applications.
• Very good communication and reporting skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-awareness, objectivity, a strong desire to help others.
• Active listener.
• High integrity and honesty.