Psychologist for mental health services for children and their caregivers - Akkar

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working around the world, addressing immediate and life saving needs of conflict affected people and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.The IRC has been working in Lebanon since 2012 to provide support to refugees and vulnerable host community members.

In January 2014 as part of IRC child protection programs, the IRC began implementing a specialized project which serves at risk and vulnerable working children in child labour, including in its worst forms (street, mechanics, and construction). Service provisions include providing psychosocial support and case management services for street and working children in Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Akkar and Bekaa.

Assessments conducted by the IRC in March and April 2020, demonstrate that caregivers and children are under extreme levels of distress as a result of the economic and social impact of COVID-19, when asked about the three main behaviors and emotions children are currently exhibiting caregivers responded first worry , second fear and third anger. Most of the caregivers responded that their children are demonstrating negative emotions, and others expressed that they were experiencing anxiety. COVID-19 and the current situation in the country has filtrated numerous aspects of the lives of Syrian refugees, and other vulnerable groups such as the Palestinian and stateless communities which increases the likelihood of families adopting negative coping mechanisms.

Families are forced to restrict their movements, and remain in close quarters on a daily basis, with diminished access to resources.

The Consultant, psychologist for mental health services for children and their caregivers, will support in providing clinical supervision of high risk cases mainly under the case management component or their caregivers as needed and indicated by the Quality and Implementation Manager or the Case management officer. The psychologist will conduct, remote (through phone calls or whatsapp) [NH1]or face to face, one-on-one and group sessions for children exposed to high risks, vulnerabilities and distress. In addition, the consultant will support case workers through coaching sessions to build their capacity on dealing with children with challenging behaviors

Deliverables:

• Conduct one on one and group sessions for children exposed to high risks vulnerabilities remotely, through home visits or within the Case management room at the IRC’s partner premises.
• Submit reports and updates to the manager of the program, the Case management officer and the designated case worker after every session or field visit conducted including feedback, concerns, and recommendations for the case of every child.
• Provide coaching to the case workers in order to support their capacity to deal with children with challenging behaviors

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Child Protection Senior Manager, Quality and Implementation Manager and the Case management officer
• Position directly supervises: N/A
• Other Internal and/or external contacts: MHPSS Technical Advisor