Psychological Counsellor

UNHCR Thailand works in an urban context with close to 5,000 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with the Office. Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention/1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and refugees and asylum-seekers who do not have legal document/visa are considered to be illegal in Thailand and are subject to arrest and indefinite detention. Additionally, the vast majority of refugees and asylum-seekers do not have work permits and so survive in precarious arrangements, and face challenges in accessing basic needs and services, including education, housing, and medical and psychological care. 

As a result, many refugees and asylum-seekers, including those detained in the Immigration Detention Center as well as those going through UNHCR protection processes, report and show indication of mental health issues ranging from depression to more severe psychiatric conditions.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment :

• Assess the psychological state/condition of refugees/asylum-seekers referred by the Protection, Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and Durable Solutions units as needed.
• Meet and conduct psychological counselling and assessments, and psychological support, such as therapy session, for refugees/asylum-seekers with significant mental/psychological concerns at various locations including the UNHCR office, BRC (Bangkok Refugee Centre), Immigration Detention Centres, community and/or any other appropriate location.
• Support the Protection unit by providing psychological awareness raising sessions as part of community visits and/or focus group discussions.
• Where requested, submit psychological assessments and recommendations pertaining to refugees and asylum-seekers met, assessed and/or counselled in a timely manner. Psychological assessments and recommendations should directly respond to any needs raised in the referral form by Protection Staff (Registration, RSD, Durable Solutions) relating to the mental/psychological condition of the refugees and asylum-seekers, their suitability for undertaking the UNHCR process and recommended approach to fact-finding and interviewing as well as treatment recommendations.
• Provide urgent counselling/psychological support to any individuals in need, in close coordination with other Protection staff (Registration, RSD, Durable Solutions).
• Provide counselling/psychological support to refugees and asylum seekers during refugee status notification as needed, in close coordination with the Protection staff (Registration, RSD, Durable Solutions).
• Provide psychological training for staff from UNHCR and partner organizations.
• Perform functions related to the foregoing.

Monitoring and Progress Controls :

• individual assessment reports for each refugee or asylum-seeker who receives psychological attention to Protection Officer within one week of individual session.
• a (short) annual summary report of cases handled throughout the year.

Definition of the Final Product :

• Psychological intervention rendered in the form of clinical assessments as well as individual and group therapy session notes.

Qualification and Experience of the Individual Contractor :

• Masters or doctorate degree in psychology or related field; clinical education and training preferred;
• At least two years’ experience treating clients in group and individual settings;
• Fluent in English, fluency in a second language (ie Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese) would be an advantage.
• A license as psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor is preferred.

Source: https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Bangkok-MCO-Thailand/Psychological-Counsellor_JR2444279