BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic wellbeing, education, and power. Given the disparity faced by women and girls, IRC seeks to narrow gender inequalities and ensure social inclusion of all vulnerable groups in broader policies, processes and actions affecting their lives. The IRC has been working in Ukraine since March 2022, initially supporting emergency response and early recovery interventions for IDPs affected by the conflict.
This position will be based in Kharkiv, with frequent travel across the oblast.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Psychologist will deliver specialized psychological consultations and counseling to patients, in, but not limited to a hospital setting, and ensure proper referrals. Moreover will conduct structured clinical assessments, overseeing case management and completing intake assessments and emergency case management. The role requires collaboration with general health staff, contributing to program development, and providing Psychological First Aid as needed, whiles maintaining confidentiality throughout. Additional responsibilities include supporting the identification and management of priority mental health conditions during crises.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide on-the-job support for general health staff in identifying and managing priority mental health conditions during crises.
Deliver specialized psychological consultations and counseling to beneficiaries in hospitals and through referrals.
Conduct structured clinical assessments, formulate clear cases, and assess cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs.
Oversee case management assessments for qualitative reporting and analysis, aligning action plans with protection principles.
Efficiently complete intake assessments, evaluations, and follow-up documentation.
Manage emergency cases, ensuring proper referral and follow-up procedures.
Support in development of integrated data collection tools, focusing on referrals and follow-ups.
Contribute to the development of curricula, materials, SOPs, and protocols for MHPSS programming.
Provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) as required, using standardized assessment tools.
Collaborate closely with Medical Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Social workers, and Community engagement colleagues.
Conduct assessments in hospitals, communities, or shelters as needed, including remote consultations by phone.
Ensure accurate and confidential documentation of services, supporting quality monitoring and project management.
Participate in MH Case Management meetings, reporting on patient evolution and engaging in case discussions.
Actively contribute to weekly team meetings for project planning and implementation.
Submit regular reports and updates on cases to the MHPSS Manager, including feedback, concerns, and recommendations.
Maintain impeccable levels of confidentiality and privacy.
Undertake any other tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
At least bachelor’s degree Psychology or higher (M.A., MS, PsyD, or PhD).
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in practicing clinical psychology and delivering specialized psychological consultations in a humanitarian setting through an NGO.
Trained on, certified, and experienced in utilising evidence-based psychological interventions in humanitarian setting
Knowledge of and experience in clinical supervision, and training,
Knowledge of and experience of inter-agency standards and guidelines in MHPSS, such as IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.
Solid understanding of protection principles, case management and client-centered care in humanitarian settings.
Candidate must be skilled in:
Developing person-centered, goal and strength focused, recovery-oriented care plan.
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 work and the policies and practices needed to mitigate them.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
REPORTING LINES
Position reports directly to MHPSS Manager.
Position technically reports to MHPSS Specialist
Closely collaborate with other member of the health and protection team, in particular Senior MMU Officer and Project’s Psychiatrist.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The International Rescue Committee is determined to protect the people it serves and staff from all kinds of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. It is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe. IRC builds diverse and inclusive teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
IRC workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces its safeguarding policies to protect adult and child clients from any form of exploitation and abuse, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and its staff from sexual harassment and violence.
Where misconduct is alleged, IRC follows a Zero tolerance approach and takes all necessary actions and corrective measures. IRC investigation unit comprises of experts and trained investigators that ensures professional survivor-centered investigations are conducted if allegations of safeguarding violations are reported through the safe and accessible reporting channels that IRC makes available to its staff, partners, and clients.
These commitments are set out in IRC’s Safeguarding Policies, accessible in English and in Ukrainian language via this link: https://rescue.box.com/v/irc-safeguarding-policies
IRC is an active member of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) set-up in Ukraine.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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