Psychotherapist

FIRST Step Together Association (FISTA) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cognitive impairments, communication disorders, psycho-motor difficulties, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, behavioral, and psycho-social problems. Established in 1993 and located in North Lebanon, FISTA’s mission is to provide education, vocational training, and professional rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, and to advocate for their rights. FISTA adheres to a strict zero-tolerance policy against any form of gift, favor, or hospitality offered to its staff by suppliers. This policy extends to a firm stance against sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, and child abuse, with a commitment to thoroughly investigate all allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.

FISTA is looking for a psychotherapist nder the “Shabake2” Project which aims to enhance the resilience of civil society organizations in Lebanon with the aim of improving crisis prevention and management.

Key Responsibilities

The primary role of Psychotherapist at FISTA is to deliver psychotherapy interventions to children and youth with disabilities:

• Provide psychological counselling to children and youth with or without special needs.
• Develop and adjust individualized treatment plans for each beneficiary as needed.
• Participates in team meetings, seminars, peer supervisions, case studies and capacity building opportunities. 
• Conducts individual counseling and therapy sessions with beneficiaries to address symptoms and treatment progress.
• Submits record sheets for each session conducted with the beneficiary
• Compile psychological evaluation report
• Adhere to ethical and clinical guidelines.
• Familiar with the components of the psychological evaluations.;
• Recognize and document any signs of potential physical or psychological abuse;
• Coordinates efforts with social workers and work within a multidisciplinary team
• Participates in regular meetings
• Implement basic mental health interventions including individual counseling and psychotherapy, parental guidance group therapy and psychosocial support interventions.
• Identify and assess potential risk factors affecting mental health of the target population.
•  Comply with all FISTA policies and bylaws.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology is required.
• An experience of at least five years working in therapy and conducting psychotherapy sessions.
• Experience working with children with disabilities and survivors of trauma, specifically addressing their mental health needs.
• The candidate should have practical experience in providing therapeutic support to children who have various disabilities as well as to individuals who have experienced trauma. This work should involve understanding and addressing the unique mental health challenges, using specialized therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to their specific circumstances.

Soft Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to relate well to others is essential.
• Communication Skills: Must possess excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Patience: The ability to remain patient throughout the treatment process.
• Trustworthiness: Expected to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
• Empathy: An understanding and identification with others’ experiences.
• Critical Thinking Skills: The capacity to accurately diagnose and develop effective treatment plans.
• Commitment to human rights principles.
• Respect for the roles and positions of each team member.
• Flexibility to adapt to special situations or supervisor requests.
• The ability to work with patients from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.