Psychologist - Specialist in Trauma Sensitivity for the LGBTQIA+ Community.

RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

The Role 

Job Title: Psychologist - Specialist in Trauma Sensitivity for the LGBTQIA+ Community. 

Sector: Programs   

Employment Type: Consultancy- 12 Months    

Location:  Remotely  

About the Guardians of Equality Movement. 

Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) is a Syrian LGBTQIA+-focused human rights organization based in Canada GEM is founded and led by Syrian LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Defenders, Activists, and Survivors/Victims/Refugees who strive to prevent a repeat of and protect others from the suffering and violations that occurred against them.  

GEM is dedicated to improving the lives of Syrian LGBTQIA+ people who experience discrimination/abuse on a regular basis due to their sexual orientation and gender identity in Syria and throughout the global Syrian diaspora. GEM works towards the protection and advocacy of human rights at social and diplomatic levels for all vulnerable Syrian LGBTQIA+ regardless of political affiliations, religion, or ethnic background. 

GEM is currently developing and delivering Protection services in MHPSS, case management, and urgent grants to provide immediate protection for the most vulnerable beneficiaries. All services are integrated with our Human Rights and Research work which aims to fill the gap in information about Syrian LGBTQIA+ communities.  

Founded in September 2021 Registered in Geneva in March 2022 and in Canada in July 2023, we are an up-and-coming organization, and the first to focus wholly on the specific Syrian LGBTQIA+ context. As we grow, we are looking for highly skilled and experienced individuals to join our team and further establish GEM as the leaders of Syrian LGBTQIA+ understanding and defense. This particularly is a meaningful time for the Protection Department, which has a key role in the development and success of GEM as an organization and its mission and goals.  

Job Description: 

Implementation of Program and Requirements 

Major Responsibilities: 

1. Provide trauma-sensitive counseling and support services to LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced trauma, including but not limited to torture, discrimination, and violence. 
2. Conduct individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based practices. 
3. Develop and implement mental health support programs and interventions for the LGBTQIA+ community. 
4. Provide capacity-building training for mental health service providers on topics related to trauma sensitivity, LGBTQIA+ issues, and sexual education. 
5.  Collaborate with other members of the team to ensure holistic support for beneficiaries. 
6. Provide remote counseling and support services to clients located in various regions. 
7. Maintain accurate and confidential client records in accordance with organizational policies and procedures. 

Key working relationships: 

• Executive Director   
• Program team. 
• Protection Team 
• Research Department 
• The position reports to Executive Director   

Desirable: 

• Master's degree or higher in psychology or a related field. 
• At least 5 years of experience working as a psychologist, with a focus on trauma sensitivity and LGBTQIA+ issues. 
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles. 
• Experience working with victims of torture, discrimination, and violence. 
• Familiarity with remote counseling techniques and tools. 
• Experience in providing capacity-building training for mental health service providers. 
• Professional awareness of sexual education. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required. 

Professional experience 

N\A  

Technical Skills and Personal Attributes 

1. Proficient in the use of MS Office and IT in general. 
2. Proficiency in trauma-sensitive counseling techniques. 
3. Experience in developing mental health support programs for the LGBTQIA+ community.  
4. Familiarity with remote counseling tools, and strong communication skills.   
5. Cultural competence, professionalism, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. 
6. Strongly Believes in equality for all and is committed to addressing inequalities and social exclusion. 
7. A genuine desire to support GEM and take a part in all we aspire to achieve. 
8. Compassionate and driven to help others. 
9. Friendly and Professional. 

Professional Standards 

All employees, contracts, and volunteers for the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the GEM Standards for Professional Conduct. These are based on Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, GEM operates and enforces policies on beneficiary protection from exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding, anti-workplace harassment, fiscal integrity, anti-retaliation, and combating human trafficking. 

Compliance & Ethics 

At GEM we promote and encourage a strong culture of compliance and ethics throughout our organization and workforce. It is important for us to maintain a clear understanding and adherence to the Guardians of Equality Movement’s values, ethical standards, donor compliance, and diversity & inclusion statement within our staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.  

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 

Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) and amongst beneficiaries served by GEM. To apply you must not have been found guilty of or have been accused of SEA in the past, non-disclosure of SEA accusations and or conviction will result in immediate termination of employment/contract and potential legal action. You will be asked about this in your application. 

 Values and Mindset 

We want to work with (and continue to develop) individuals who can embody and demonstrate the following values and mindset. 

Values:

• Collaborative: We achieve more when we work together, every voice has value, and we ask others for help so we can find solutions and move forward as a team. We have fun together and support each member of our team. 
• Trusting: We believe in the power of strong, open, and authentic relationships. We do what we say we are going to do and take ownership and responsibility for our actions.  
•  Inclusive: We want people to feel safe in being themselves, to maintain well-being, bring their unique strengths and voices to the table, and honor lived experience. 
• Innovation : The work we are focused on is no easy task and we are committed to positive impact. We will fight for what we believe is right and be ambitious in our thinking and work ethic to deliver results. 
• Always Learning :Our work uncovers the gap in information in the humanitarian industry and to understand what is missing we Listen. We are passionate about learning and seek to constantly improve ourselves, our work, and the way service is provided for the Syrian LGBTQIA+ throughout the industry. We celebrate failures as well as successes and use them to perform better in the future. 

Mindset 

•  Service : Empathetic with an understanding that we are in service to the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community and rights defenders, committed to providing the best care and experience for our beneficiaries. 
• Sustainable Change :You understand why we do what we do, and why the impact we have must yield sustainable results. You want to contribute to changing the lives and circumstances of Syrian LGBTQIA+ for the better, and for good. 
•  Agile and Flexible : Agility is the ability to move quickly and easily. Flexibility is the ability to react to new environments or changing requirements.  
• Can do: Solutions Focused, resourceful, and adaptable. Will always think “how can we achieve this.” 
• Passionate : Someone who is enthusiastic about equality for all, protecting those most vulnerable, and changing lives for the better.