Vacancy: Psychologists/MMK in the project “Building a sustainable public health system in the communities of Zhytomyr region”
Vacancy number: 009/IN TOUCH
Contract type: Contract with CPX
Workplace: Zhytomyr region
Work format: Offline
Execution period: 10 months.
Organizational work context: The Non-Governmental Organization “IN TOUCH Ukraine Foundation” is seeking an expert who can perform the role of a psychologist in an interdisciplinary mobile team for the project “Restoring access to medical services in the communities of Zhytomyr region” within the framework of the project “Innovations to Overcome the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” for 10 months. The project is implemented by the NGO “IN TOUCH Ukraine Foundation” in the region with the support of the USAID project “Building a Sustainable Public Health System,” funded by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Pact in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the European Institute of Public Health Policy (EIPHP). The project aims to provide medical and psychosocial assistance to remote settlements of Zhytomyr region (Olevska, Slovechanska, and Narodytska communities).
Objective of the USAID Project: The objective of the USAID project “Building a Sustainable Public Health System” (2022-2027) is to strengthen the capacity of the Government of Ukraine to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, ensure the performance of critical public health functions in crisis periods, protect the health of all Ukrainians, including vulnerable and marginalized groups, and expand and provide mental health services to populations affected by war.
MMK: MMK is a multidisciplinary team of professionals who provide the population of the community with medical care, mental health services, and psychosocial support that is as close as possible to the client’s location or residence. MMK consists of a doctor (or doctors), a nurse/paramedic, a social worker, a psychologist, and a driver.
Brief description of functional duties:
- Assess the client’s psychological state using psychometric methods.
- Provide support and restore the functioning of the client in physical, emotional, intellectual, and social spheres.
- Provide counseling on psychological and behavioral disorders and conditions resulting from illness/injury, occupation, participation in combat, emergencies, captivity, punishment, etc.
- Provide psychological education and information services, provide psychosocial support to the client and their family members.
Requirements for the psychologist:
- Higher education in “Psychology,” “Medical Psychology,” or “Medicine” (specialization in “Medical Psychology,” “Psychotherapy,” “Psychiatry,” “Psychophysiology”).
- Practical work experience in healthcare institutions and/or rehabilitation centers for at least one year and/or practical work experience in the field. Formal or informal professional training completed.
- Experience in the field for at least 1 year.
- Ability to work with Excel, Word, Google Drive, Google Docs, Canvas, Figma, CRM systems, Data Check.
- Availability of certificates for professional development or competency development will be an advantage.
Professional competencies:
- Ability to assess the psychological state, jointly with the client, analyze existing needs, and provide basic psychological consultations according to the client’s request.
- Ability to establish initial contact and build trusting relationships with clients and their families.
- Effective use of psychotherapeutic techniques to reduce stress and anxiety in clients.
Interaction principles with clients:
- Respect for human rights, honesty, and dignity: The psychologist treats all clients with respect and without prejudice, regardless of their experience, habits, lifestyle, etc.
- Professional competence: The psychologist selects evidence-based and scientifically substantiated work methods that meet the requests and needs of the client.
- Voluntariness: Psychological counseling services are exclusively voluntary and provided according to the client’s request.
- Confidentiality: The psychologist informs the client about the preservation of confidentiality and beforehand specifies exceptions under which it may be violated.
Interpersonal Skills
Ability to provide counseling to clients and their family members. Effective collaboration with other members of the medical mobile team. Readiness for teamwork and performing assigned tasks in critical medical situations.
Responsibilities of the psychologist in the MMK:
Providing emotional and psychological support to clients and their families in emergency situations. Facilitating the reduction of stress, anxiety, and psychological difficulties related to medical procedures and diagnoses. Diagnosis of the client’s psychological state: Conducting assessments of clients’ mental states considering their domestic, sociocultural, and psychological characteristics. Identifying possible psychological and emotional disorders that may arise as a result of trauma or stressful situations.
Consultation:
Providing consultations on psychological and behavioral disorders and conditions resulting from illness/injury, participation in combat, emergencies, etc. Developing and implementing individual psychological strategies to overcome emotional and psychological difficulties.
Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration:
Participation in joint meetings and discussions with other members of the medical mobile team. Providing consultation and psychological support to other team members for balanced and effective work in stressful situations as needed.
Psychological support for families:
Providing counseling and psychosocial support to clients’ families, especially in crisis situations and serious diagnoses. Facilitating the establishment of positive and trusting relationships between clients and their families.
Psychological education and information (psychoeducation):
Conducting informational and educational work aimed at preventing and preventing the development of mental and behavioral disorders, forming a general understanding of one’s own mental health and caring skills for it.
Emotion and stress management:
Developing and refining strategies for managing one’s own emotions and stress to ensure efficiency and professionalism in the work of MMK specialists.
Reporting and documentation:
Maintaining documentation on provided services and consultations. Preparing reports on work results and recommendations for further care.
To participate in the competition, please fill out the application form here.
More information about the project can be found here.
Email for additional questions: in.touch.ukraine.foundation@gmail.com
If you are interested in the competition and are ready to become part of the team of the Non-Governmental Organization “IN TOUCH Ukraine Foundation” in implementing this project, please send your application form by December 18, 2023 (inclusive).
We will only contact candidates who have passed the first stage of selection for an interview.
The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract.