Job Description: Psychologist in Ankara

●      Intervention Sector: Physical Health and MHPSS

●      Application Deadline: on rolling bases until filled

●      Contract Type: Full Time

●      Period of Employment: 1 year, renewable based on performance and funding

●      Education Degree: Psychologist, Clinic Psychologist (Türkiye Diploma or equivalence valid in Türkiye)

●      Experience Requirement:1 to 3 years

●      Arabic: Fluent

●      Turkish Language: B1-B2 or/and English Language: B1-B2

●      Turkish Citizenship Required.

Background:

Istanbul Nar Tanesi is a registered organization in Istanbul, Turkey, dedicated to promoting sustainable development and human rights. We support women, youth, and children by advocating for their rights and providing safe spaces. Our efforts include combating poverty, protecting environmental rights, and contributing to climate change mitigation. We offer disaster and crisis management, and educational opportunities. Our activities involve research, surveys, reports, volunteerism, and social service. Additionally, İstanbul Nar Tanesi provides life-changing medical care and reconstructive surgery for children (0-18 years) injured by disasters or unsafe conditions who cannot access or afford treatment. We support ongoing cases with medication, medical equipment, diagnostic testing, transportation, and accommodation. We also offer speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and mental health services through our in-house program, ensuring comprehensive care for children's well-being.

Position Overview: As a psychologist working for Nar Tanesi in Ankara (with the possibility of fieldwork and visits), your primary role will be to provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services to children and their families who have been affected by both natural and human-induced disasters. You will be responsible for conducting assessments, providing counselling and therapy, implementing evidence-based interventions, and working collaboratively with other professionals to promote the mental well-being and resilience of the affected population.

Key Responsibilities:

1.     Mental Health Assessment: Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments of children and their families to understand their emotional and psychological needs and develop appropriate intervention plans.

2.     Individual and Group Counseling: Provide individual counseling and psychotherapy sessions to children and their families, addressing trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues resulting from disasters. Conduct group counseling sessions to create a supportive and healing environment.

3.     Psychosocial Support: Offer psychosocial support to individuals and families, considering their cultural and social context to promote coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies.

4.     Treatment Planning: Develop personalized and culturally sensitive treatment plans based on the assessment findings and in consultation with other mental health professionals.

5.     Collaborative Approach: Work closely with psychiatrists, social workers, and medical staff to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to mental health care.

6.     Psychoeducation: Conduct psychoeducational sessions for individuals and groups to raise awareness about mental health, stress management, and coping techniques.

7.     Crisis Intervention: Be prepared to respond to immediate crisis situations and provide timely support to individuals facing acute mental health challenges.

8.     Capacity Building: Train and support local staff, volunteers, and community members in psychological first aid and basic counseling techniques to enhance the overall MHPSS support available in the area.

9.     Advocacy: Advocate for the importance of mental health and psychosocial support in disaster and emergency response, raising awareness about the unique needs of affected populations.

10.  Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and confidential records of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other relevant information.

Qualifications and Requirements:

·       Bachelor, Master's or doctoral degree in Psychology 

·       Proven experience in providing mental health and psychosocial support to children, families, or communities impacted by trauma, disasters, or conflict-related stress.

·       Familiarity with evidence-based interventions and counseling techniques for trauma and post-disaster support.

·       Strong understanding of cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations

·       Excellent communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions:

·       This is a full-time position based in Ankara, Türkiye, with the possibility of fieldwork and visits to İstanbul.

·       Nar Tanesi offers a supportive work environment, encouraging professional growth and collaboration among team members

Please note that Nar Tanesi does not cover any relocation costs for this position.

**This position is posted for female candidates only**

HOW TO APPLY 

Please send your updated CV and a cover letter in English, detailing how you meet the responsibilities and requirements to hr.turkiye@inara.org, with Psychologist-202409-Ankara as the subject line. CV-only applications will not be considered, submitting a cover letter is required. and only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.