Associate Physiotherapist Trainer

Summary: The Associate Physiotherapist Trainer works as part of an interdisciplinary team to address the trauma rehabilitation needs of vulnerable minority populations including the Shabak community who are suffering from the effects of war and violence. The Associate Physiotherapist Trainer will oversee Physiotherapy interventions, including individual and group Physiotherapy with adults and trauma resilience workshops. This position also will provide supervision, coaching, and training to a physiotherapist(s) and provide education, supervision, mentoring and support to partner organizations to meet the needs of survivors. The Associate Physiotherapist Trainer will oversee and advocate for survivors to access justice efforts including access to reparations. They will coordinate closely with survivors’ groups, community advisory boards and partner organizations to ensure survivors have access to legal, rehabilitation and other supports necessary.

Job Responsibilities

Clinical Supervision and Training: Conduct on-going supervision, formal training, staff support, promote self-care, mentoring and modeling to physiotherapist(s). Design and carry out training programs for physiotherapist(s) and wider interdisciplinary team. Continually assess learning needs of the physiotherapist(s), develop and modify individual professional development plans, and adapt training and coaching accordingly. Adapt training style, content, and frequency to meet both individual and team needs. Work as interdisciplinary team to assess, provide and follow-up on topics related to case management, interdisciplinary work and related topics. Participate in hiring and orientation for new physiotherapist(s). Participate in hiring and orientation of psychosocial counselors and social workers as required.

Clinical Management: Manage performance of supervisees and provide regular feedback both through formal and informal assessment. Manage day-to-day operations of the physiotherapy department, including managing the physiotherapy person/team that provides services in Iraq. Track and ensure program objectives are met. Collaborate between disciplines of physiotherapy, counseling, protection and social work.

Physiotherapy: Provide in-person and remote telehealth physiotherapy to individuals and groups impacted by war trauma, in order to model methods and build capacity of physiotherapists. Collaborate and provide services with other interdisciplinary clinicians as part of an integrated care model.

Reporting: Write and submit regular reports regarding clinical and training activities, including training and workshop sessions, that focus on progress achieved toward program objectives.

Community assessment: Carry out need assessments alongside the project coordinator, community advisory boards and civil society organizations in vulnerable local communities in a survivor centered, trauma-informed manner to determine appropriate mental health physiotherapy interventions for people who have been traumatized by armed conflict. Produce and contribute to  reports to the Community Advisory Boards, civil society and partner organizations as required.

Based on needs assessments advocate for rehabilitation needs of survivors and support services required by survivors to access justice mechanisms, including the YSL.

Program Development and Evaluation: Participate in the design of and implementation of new programs as well as program evaluation.

Partnerships and Capacity Building: Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental organizations within Iraq. Provide training and address emerging issue related to rights and resilience. Coordinate with other organizations to better address the needs of survivors and support the development of pathways for them to obtain justice and accountability including access to reparations. Provide mentoring, consultation, and clinical supervision to partner organization staff as agreed with project implementing partner organization(s). Develop therapeutic interventions and/or adapt CVT standard interventions to meet the cultural and contextual needs of communities and partner organizations. Lead assessment of partner organizations capacities and develop training plans, clinical supervision and follow up to meet the needs of partner organizations and the communities they serve.

Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by direct supervisors, Country Director, Program Manager in the implementation of program activities.

Required experience, competencies, education, certificates or licenses:

• University Degree in physiotherapy (2 year or 4 year degree).
• Practicing license provided by the Ministry of Health or Syndicate of Health Workers.
• Fluency in Kurdish, Arabic and English.
• Computer literacy in Email & Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Extensive experience working as a physiotherapist with a strong orthopedic background and experience in trauma and/or managing clients with mental health conditions.
• Experience working with biopsychosocial approaches.
• Experience implementing culturally appropriate mental health interventions, including individual, group and community-based approaches for people who have suffered war trauma.
• Experience providing training and awareness raising on the effects of war trauma.
• Experience developing curriculum and providing training for physiotherapy and mental health professionals using interactive methodologies.
• Experience managing and supervising staff.
• Skilled at working as a member of a diverse team.
• Adequate interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing program requirements, beneficiary needs, and political climate.
• Must consistently promote and represent a humanitarian and human rights understanding of their work internally and externally, including promoting acceptance of differences and non-discrimination.
• Commitment to and role modeling of human rights approach including: maintaining respect regarding any sensitive issues such as religion, minority or political affiliation and treating colleagues equally regardless of differences. Strong commitment to serve beneficiaries of CVT’s project regardless their religion, gender, minority affiliation or political background.
• Commitment to the ethical and sensitive implementation of project activities, including a commitment to confidentiality, diversity, equity, and inclusion, quality service provision, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (including online).

Preferred experience, competencies, education, certificates or licenses:

• Master’s degree or higher degree in physiotherapy or physical therapy.
• Experience supervising physiotherapists.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Work experience with survivors of war trauma.
• Skilled at carrying out needs assessments and program evaluation.

Interested candidates must submit an updated CV with a Cover Letter to: [email protected]

Please put “Associate Physiotherapist Trainer” in the Subject line.

Application deadline:  December 7^th, 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be invited to interview.