Back Psychologist

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.
  Context

IOM operates Five Accommodation Centers for Unaccompanied Minors (Shelters) providing accommodation and access to services for Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC). Besides accommodation, the following services are provided to the beneficiaries: addressing basic needs, catering, hygiene, legal counselling, and information about life opportunities in Greece, interpretation, psychosocial support, medical support, Greek learning programs, learning support, organization of intercultural activities, work and career guidance.
 

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Shelter Coordinator, the successful candidate will provide support in implementing project activities through provision of psychosocial services for the UMC in the accommodation facilities.

As a Psychologist of the Accommodation Center, the successful candidate will undertake on the following:
1.Assess the mental health of the UMC and write a psychological evaluation.
2.Organize and participate in group and one-on-one sessions for the psychological support and development of activities and interventions. Coordinate the UMCs’ daily activities through educational and recreational activities.

3.Participate in the planning and implementation of interventions to inform and raise awareness of children.
4.Provide psychosocial support to the children in collaboration with the social worker or other members of the scientific team depending on the needs that arise. These might include: a) anxiety and anger management, b) conflict management and abrupt behavioral changes, c) coping mechanisms to effectively respond on crises related to mental or psychological pressure, e) improving interpersonal relationships and f) cultivating skills and talents.
5.Map existing national and humanitarian mental health and psychosocial services that are available and accessible to the site.
6.Refer children to primary or secondary medical care services if this is deemed necessary based on their mental health status.

As a Case Worker assigned specific children, the successful candidate will undertake on the following:
1.In collaboration with the rest of the team, implement necessary actions for the achievement of the objectives of the Individual Action Plan in accordance with the best interests of the child.
2.In collaboration with the child's Guardian, conduct Best Interest Assessments (BIA) or prepare other similar reports and identify the needs and vulnerabilities of unaccompanied children.
3.Keep and update the individual file of the child. Collect all information regarding the medical, psychosocial, and educational history, the legal status from all available sources and respective professionals, including the information provided by the child.
4.Collect and monitor all the required beneficiaries’ documentation, on a monthly basis, for donor purposes.
5.Support the child in the Accommodation Center entry process, explain and discuss the rules of accommodation. Be their stable contact person and meet with the child at least once a week. Inform the child in advance of who will be responsible in case of each of your absences or leave.
6.Support the child in the smooth integration in activities inside or outside the Shelter.
7.In collaboration with trained Shelter staff and external actors, inform and train the children with the aim of strengthening them against any form of mental, sexual or other physical abuse and neglect, preventing dangerous situations, and learning how to react in the event of such situations.
8.Plan and perform necessary actions to prepare the children for their departure from the Accommodation Center and completion of their accommodation.
General support of Accommodation Center activities:
1.Escort the unaccompanied children (Asylum Service, Medical appointments or urgent, school, indoor and outdoor activities).
2.Distribute food, clothing, and personal hygiene kits to the children, according to their needs, in cooperation with the rest of the staff employed in the Shelter, if needed.
3.Reinforce the Accommodation Center rules at all times.
4.Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Education

• University degree in Psychology with minimum two years of relevant work experience.
• Master’s degree in a related field an advantage.
• Licensed Psychologist.
• Registration or chartered membership with the Greek Psychological Association an advantage. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
  • At least two years of relevant professional experience, preferably in psychosocial support in the migration and refugee context;
  • Experience in emergency psychology a distinct advantage;
  • Previous experience working with children and/or vulnerable population preferred;
  • Experience working in a multi-cultural environment preferred; Skills
    • Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
    • Willingness to work in day/ night shifts, during holidays and weekends;
    • Valid driver’s license with at least five years driving experience an advantage. Languages
      • Fluency in English and Greek (written and oral) is required. IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
      • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
    • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.