The Clinical Psychologist is a vital member of the psychosocial support services team in Hit, Anbar Governorate. This role entails providing specialized mental health care to individuals, families, and groups affected by trauma, displacement, conflict, and other challenges prevalent in the region. The Clinical Psychologist will use evidence-based practices to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, while also contributing to community outreach, capacity building, and program development efforts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis:
• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, including clinical interviews, psychological testing, and review of records, to evaluate mental health needs and identify interventions.
• Use culturally sensitive and contextually relevant assessment tools to diagnose mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, social workers, and community health workers, to gather relevant information and plan comprehensive treatment plans.
Individual and Group Therapy:
• Provide individual therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and other appropriate approaches tailored to the specific needs of participants.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions to address common mental health challenges, promote social support, and foster resilience among participants.
• Adapt therapeutic interventions to cultural contexts, considering local values, beliefs, and traditions, to ensure effective and meaningful care.
Family and Community Support:
• Offer family therapy and counseling to address relationship issues, improve communication, and strengthen family resilience in the face of adversity.
• Conduct psychoeducational workshops and training sessions for community members on topics such as stress management, coping skills, trauma recovery, parenting skills, and conflict resolution.
• Collaborate with community leaders, religious figures, and local organizations to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and integrate mental health care into existing social services.
Capacity Building and Training:
• Train and mentor local staff members, volunteers, and paraprofessionals in basic mental health skills, psychological first aid, and evidence-based interventions.
• Develop and implement training programs for community health workers, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance their capacity to identify and respond to mental health needs.
• Participate in case consultations and supervision to enhance the skills and knowledge of colleagues and promote best practices in mental health care.
Program Development and Monitoring:
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of mental health programs and services in the Hit area.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, collect data on program outcomes, and identify areas for improvement.
• Participate in program planning and review meetings to ensure that services respond to the developing needs of the community.
Outreach and Advocacy:
• Participate in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behavior.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to identify and address barriers to accessing mental health care.
• Advocate for increased resources and funding for mental health services in the Hit area.
Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of Participants assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other relevant documentation under ethical guidelines and organizational policies.
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders on program activities, outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to research and evaluation efforts to assess the effectiveness of mental health interventions and inform program development.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field.
• Specialized training and experience in trauma-informed care, evidence-based therapies (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, ACT), cultural competence, and humanitarian settings.
• Experience working with diverse populations affected by trauma, displacement, and conflict.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and clinical skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working in Iraq or the Middle East region.
• Familiarity with local cultural norms, customs, and traditions in the Anbar Governorate.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.