Emergency Response Psychologist/Psychotherapist

Mission of the position:

Under the SOS Lebanon 20a Emergency Relief Project, the psychologist(s) appointed to work within the Emergency Response program will work closely with the project coordinator, social workers, and the Child Friendly Space (CFS) educational and recreational teams in order to make sure the psychological needs of families and children are properly assessed and met, providing thorough assessment, intervention, and follow- up throughout the various phases of the project.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

- Supports the ER Program Coordinator in assessing and modifying scope of the project according to needs of the affected children and families.

- Identification of children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, and the ability to intervene and refer cases using institutional, legal and ethical considerations and guidelines.

- Participate in the capacity building of the SOS emergency team on issues related to child protection (policies and procedures).

- Diagnose, intervene and follow up on the psychological situation of the child and family (using a variety of psychological assessment scales for diagnoses and intervention) through regular home visits, phone calls, and CFS activities and sessions.

- Draft psychological evaluation with relevant clinical impressions and recommendations.

- Identify the traumatic experiences in the child’s and/ or family member’s history and enhance coping mechanisms. When needed, propose strategical action plans regarding the child.

In collaboration with the case workers, support and monitor the integration of separated and unaccompanied children to be placed in long-term institutional care or other structures.

- Support the implementation of psycho-education and recreational therapy activities within the CFS. Facilitate relationships between the children and the educators.

- Help in organizing psycho-social activities and awareness sessions for the children and their families.

- Follow up with the educators and CFS psychologist/ psychotherapist regarding specific challenging cases.

- Ensure proper integration of the child within activities by regular coordination with educators and the CFS psychologist/ psychotherapist.

- Participate in regular meetings of the ER team, including social workers, educators, and recreational activities staff

- Conduct training and provide support for SOS caregivers and other staff members on psychological child development as needed.
- Conduct comprehensive assessment and documentation of children and families in order to develop a support system using an individualized case management approach through multidisciplinary team coordination.

- Networking and capacity building with other entities and NGOs in order to help provide families with a support system for additional/ ongoing support as needed, beyond the scope/ duration of ER program

Child Protection

SOS Children’s Villages works in accordance with the UNCRC: The best interest of the child is our primary consideration. Every child has the right to develop to his or her full potential, to quality, education, participation and non-discrimination. Everybody has the responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, violence,maltreatment, neglect, harm and discrimination.