Mental health counselor

Background:

The Arab Foundation for Freedoms and Equality is a regional organization dedicated to encouraging and support sexual health, sexuality gender and bodily rights movements in the Middle East and North Africa through capacity building, knowledge production, protection and advocacy. Established in 2009, AFE has been a driver of LGBTIQ+ rights in the MENA region supporting national organizations and local, regional and global advocacy to improve the quality of life of marginalized communities in the MENA region.

Purpose of the ToR:

Mental Health is as important to health as physical wellbeing. Tayf project recognizes the importance of mental health and promotes mental wellbeing as part of a combination approach to good health. For a year now, the unrest in Lebanon has immensely affected the Lebanese and local refugees. Political, economic, social and financial crises have caused a steep rise in mental health discomfort and stress among many people. The blast that hit Beirut in August 2020 also had its impact in elevating stress levels, fueling anxiety and leading into a general state of depression.

Our communities of LGBITQ and Key Populations of HIV have been more affected in general, and the crises had a remarkable impact on their mental health. Having to deal with societal norms and prejudices, abuse, violence, harassment, lack of support, loss of livelihood and criminalization in addition to the current situation in Lebanon has led to a large portion of our community needing support.

Project Description:

As of 2020, Tayf has been working around providing services to support the LGBITQ community with the loss of livelihood and all the huge amount of stress that was caused by the unrest, COVID-19 and the blast. Since April, Tayf has been providing free mental health online sessions to support individuals and help them cope and deal with their situation.

In the last 6 months, this service has proved to be very successful, effective and very much needed. Tayf was only able to provide 20 hours per week (covering 20 people per week). Since then Tayf has secured funding to expand this service by an additional 20 hours weekly. This project is about providing mental health counseling and support for LGBITQ people in all their diversity.

Job Description:

- Provide 20 hours of online mental health support

- Refer individuals to the right services as per their needs

- Report on a weekly basis on number of cases and general overview of types of cases

- Coordinate with the existing Mental Health Consultant and the Tayf Coordinator

Qualifications:

- Bachelor Degree or Master’s Degree in Psychology, or Degree in Social Work with Psychology minor

- At least 7 years of practicing clinical experience

- At least 3 years of practicing clinical psychology with LGBTIQ individuals

- Knowledge around LGBTIQ specificities, HIV, Chemsex and substance use is a must

- Arabic is a must

- English and French are and added value

- NGO experience desirable

- Communication skills, listening skills are top priority for this position.

Duration of contract:

6 months, with possibility of renewal

Reports to:

AFE's head of health department (M-Coalition). 

How to apply?

- Please send your CV and a customized cover letter to [email protected]

- Please make sure to include your experience as per the above requested information. 

- Please include contact details of references in your application. 

This Consultancy is available for applicants residing in Lebanon.

AFE is committed to an inclusive balanced work environment. We encourage women and members of the LGBTIQ+ community to apply.