Clinical Psychologist for Children and their Caregivers - Bekaa

International Rescue Committee•Lebanon, PA

About The Position

The consultant clinical psychologist for children and their caregivers provides clinical supervision for high-risk cases, primarily through case management, and supports caregivers as indicated by the Field Manager or Case Management Officer. The psychologist conducts individual and group sessions for children experiencing high risks, vulnerabilities, and distress, and coaches case workers to build their capacity to support children with challenging behaviors. The role includes conducting structured clinical assessments, developing case formulations and treatment plans, monitoring progress, maintaining confidentiality, documenting consultations, and ensuring emergency cases are managed, referred, and followed up appropriately. The psychologist provides case reports and updates after sessions or field visits to program management, the Case Management Officer, and the designated case worker. Consultations may take place during home visits, in municipal case management rooms, or at IRC partner premises. Most consultations are in person; online clinical intervention is used in emergency situations and must follow IRC telepsychology guidelines. The consultant has no dedicated office space at IRC but may access IRC premises to meet supervisees as needed. The position reports to the Child Protection Quality and Implementation Manager and coordinates with the Case Management Officer, with periodic follow-up with IRC’s MHPSS technical focal point. The consultant must be willing to travel to Tripoli and Minnieh.

Requirements

MA in clinical psychology.
Completed clinical training/practicum in a university center, consisting of at least 100 hours of supervised training and 300 hours of applied training.
Lebanese colloquium certificate for clinical psychologists.
License to practice clinical psychology from the Ministry of Public Health.
Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in MHPSS.
Skilled and experienced in evidence-based mental health approaches, such as IPT, CBT, TF-CBT, or EMDR.
Experience supporting children at high risk.
Knowledge of and experience using established inter-agency MHPSS and child protection standards and guidelines, including the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, Setting the Standard – A Common Approach to Child Protection for International NGOs, and the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination, and beneficiary safety.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, interviewing, and rapport-building skills.
Ability to develop clear, consistent improvement plans and recognize mental health priority conditions in accordance with mhGAP.
Skill in at least one evidence-based psychotherapy approach and in relaxation and stress-management techniques.
Ability to work autonomously, take initiative, escalate issues responsibly, and work in a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, non-discrimination, and readiness to work with men, women, girls, and boys from diverse backgrounds, particularly marginalized communities.
Ability to adhere to ethical principles when working with vulnerable populations.
Skill in developing person-centered, goal- and strength-focused, recovery-oriented care plans.
Knowledge of mental health in complex emergencies, including IASC guidelines, Psychological First Aid, and mhGAP.
Knowledge of the biopsychosocial, community-based, and human rights-based approaches to mental health.
Knowledge of predictable stresses faced by humanitarian aid workers and policies and practices to mitigate them.
Good digital literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet use.
Fluent communication, reading, and writing skills in Arabic and English.
Willingness to travel to Tripoli and Minnieh and conduct home visits.
Ability to comply with IRC’s telepsychology guidelines and professional standards.

Nice To Haves

A recommendation letter from a senior clinical psychologist supervisor who holds a doctorate and/or is a scholar.
Membership in one of Lebanon’s registered psychological associations.
Previous experience training MHPSS staff and supervising implementation.
Experience providing clinical supervision or leading training.
Excellent coaching skills, including the capacity to provide structured feedback.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical supervision for high-risk cases, mainly under case management, and support caregivers as needed and indicated by the Field Manager or Case Management Officer.
Conduct one-on-one and group sessions for children exposed to high-risk vulnerabilities through home visits, municipal case management rooms, or IRC partner premises.
Coach case workers to build their capacity to address children’s challenging behaviors when needed.
Conduct structured clinical assessments and formulate cases based on beneficiaries’ cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs, using standardized assessment tools.
Develop treatment plans with clear objectives and timeframes, including estimated dates for evaluation, closure, and post-support check-up.
Monitor and evaluate patients’ psychological progress.
Maintain confidentiality and privacy.
Complete and organize intake assessments, evaluations, treatment recommendations, reviews, follow-up, and other consultation documentation.
Ensure emergency cases are appropriately managed, referred, and followed up.
Submit reports and case updates after each session or field visit to the program manager, Case Management Officer, and designated case worker, including feedback, concerns, and recommendations.
Consult the Consortium Manager and Integrated Protection Officer before closing cases for which specialized psychological sessions are required.
Follow IRC’s guidelines for telepsychology, including assessing suitability and consent, documenting the process, planning for emergencies, protecting client data, monitoring progress, and arranging referrals or in-person intervention when appropriate.
Coordinate with other staff to provide comprehensive, individualized interventions and follow up periodically with IRC’s MHPSS technical focal point.