Job Announcement

PSYCHOLOGIST

SOS Children’s Villages takes action for children as an independent non-governmental social development organization. We build families for children in need, we help them shape the development of their communities, we respect varying religions and cultures, and we work in countries and communities where our mission can contribute to development.

SOS Children’s Villages-Palestine started its operation in 1966 with the first SOS-Children’s Village in Bethlehem and is currently searching for experienced Psychologist to join the team of Children’s Village Programme in Bethlehem. The Psychologist will report directly to SFC Coordinator.

Position summary and main aims:

The role of the psychologist is essential in securing support for children and their SOS Mothers. The child psychologist reports directly to the FBC Coordinator and works in close coordination with the Village Pedagogical Committee; social workers and educator. This position ensures quality care for children within SOS Children’s Village. The Psychologist is required to have a deep knowledge of all relevant manuals, policies, guidelines and other relevant documents of SOS Children’s Villages.

Location:  Children’s Village Programme – Bethlehem.

Contract: Unlimited Contract

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Ensure that proper child psychological and mental health  assessment is conducted in best interest of the child
  • Perform psychological  assessment for each individual child/youth and ensure that all cases are  assessed and documented.
  • Present the diagnosed case to the Pedagogical team, based on the case, and include the psychological intervention plan in the individual development plan of the case.
  • Ensure proper follow-up for cases by  providing individual and group psychotherapy sessions for children as needed based on the psychological assessment.
  • Conduct family counseling sessions for SOS families as needed.
Support and guide SOS Mothers, aunts and YCCWs

  • Coordinate and facilitate Psychological training sessions for children/youth, SOS Mothers, aunts, YCCWs and SOS co-worker based on a regular needs-assessment
  • Provide psychological support and guidance to children/youth, SOS Mothers, aunts and YCCWs and discuss with them solutions and procedures to follow with children/youth
  • Ensure proper documentation and updating of children/youth files including individual treatment and development plans including the pdp2.

Oversee proper processing of child’s final  assessment  report and/or child treatment plan

  • Prepares psychological and mental health support training and materials for child/youth development.
  • progress general mental health review for cases at least twice per year, and family review once per month.
  • Provide support to SOS Mothers and YCCWs to participate actively in the child/youth development project
  • Guide and support the children/youth and engage them philosophical progressively in their child development project
  • Ensure proper coordination and liaison with social workers gradually for children/youth  assessment, treatment plan, and updates
  • Conduct  psychological tests to analyze children/youth behavior and prepare intervention activities as needed.

Ensure proper follow up with the biological families

  • Undertake (when appropriate) at least one visit/year (especially for those families expecting to host their children during vacations) to the biological families
  • Ensure presence during the once/month visit of the biological families in the village

Understand the SOS Children’s Village Organisation

  • Become familiar with the background, Philosophies, and clear with the Principles, Policies, and structures of the SOS Organisation;
  • Understand the roles of the different SOS Staff/team members

Child Safeguarding (CS)

  • Responsible within own area of work to raise awareness of the SOS Child Protection Policy principles and to prevent and protect children from all forms of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, violence and discrimination
  • Responsible to report any CS suspicion, concern, allegation or incident immediately, following Child Safeguarding reporting procedures. CS reports should be made to the IOR CS focal person and/or to the respective line manager

Key skills and qualifications for the position:

Must criteria

  • Bachelor’s degree in Counselling/ Psychology/Mental Health.
  • At least 3-5 years’ experience working directly with children and caregivers and applying a number of therapeutic approaches
  • Work experience in a case management system.
  • Ability to combine field and office work;
  • Experience in working with survivors of domestic violence (children and caregivers)

Competencies – knowledge, skills, abilities

  • Good knowledge of child development, family functioning, human behaviour and social environment
  • Knowledge on child protection and children rights
  • Knowledge on impact of trauma on children and caregivers
  • Knowledge on how traditions, culture, beliefs and customs influence human functioning and development at all levels
  • Understanding of cultural diversity, characteristics of special target groups, implications for assessment and intervention
  • Understanding of services, including crisis intervention, parenting skills training, family counselling, conflict resolution and individual and group counselling
  • Good time management, organizational and administrative skills
  • Team work and flexible

Preferred additional criteria

  • Experience on range of therapeutic approaches (e.g. CBT, art therapy,  in supporting children, young people and caregivers with a multiple traumas
  • Experience with cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodrama, and family counselling
–          Interested candidates must send their Cover Letter including related job achievements, CV, and three traceable references to:

–          [email protected] by Monday, February 28th of 2022.

–          Indicating in the subject line: Psychologist Position

–          Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Applications after deadline will be excluded. Applications not conforming to the conditions will not be considered.

–          Certificate of Good Conduct/Police Clearance is mandatory to be submit in case of selection.