MSF Harmanli Project: Psychologist

Position:                          Psychologist   

Project:                            MSF EU Migration

Location:                         Harmanli, Bulgaria

Starting Date:                  Immediately

Duration:                        Contract until December (with 2-month probation period)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international independent medical and humanitarian action-driven organization that offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. The MSF movement is built around 5 Operational Centers (OC) supported by 23 sections and offices worldwide. MSF provides medical and humanitarian assistance to the refugee and migrant populations fleeing conflict in their home countries.

At Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. Our diversity fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our beneficiaries and the communities in which we work.   We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnicities, religions, beliefs, and ability status and all other diversity characteristics.

MSF was present in Bulgaria in 2014, during a six months intervention to respond to the migratory emergency; massive arrival of migrants from the Middle East.

This year, a new project has been set up in Harmanli, South-East Bulgaria, providing primary health care inside the Reception and Registration Centre with a medical team composed by a medical doctor, a nurse, a psychologist and a translator/cultural mediator.

Main Purpose

Providing psychological support to patients according to MSF principles, standards and procedures in order to improve the patients’ mental health.

Accountabilities

•       Carrying out evaluation of mental health needs of patients and establishing a diagnosis and a plan of treatment.

•       Implementing the Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) protocol, identifying possible victims of SGBV and referring them to the medical team so that they receive the necessary treatment. 

•       Providing psychological support and psychotherapy sessions (individual, family, group) to patients according to MSF protocols in order to improve their mental health conditions 

•       Assisting and training staff members and resourceful people whenever necessary to enhance the scope of MH activities. Working in close collaboration with Cultural Mediators to ensure appropriate terminology and behavior during sessions.

•       Informing the supervisor and the medical team about any issues or problems that may arise related to patients’ treatment in order to provide the best possible solution from a medical perspective.

•       Ensuring that all patient information is kept confidential. 

Context specificities:

•       Inside the camp MSF will be present also with Medical Doctor (MD) and nurse when the MD State Agency for Refugees (SAR) is not available (SAR MD available 3 time per week in the afternoon for few hours). Inside the camp people have access to free medical care, while the people living outside the camp are not all able to access a GP.  

•       Inside the camp large group of unaccompanied minors (UAM) is present. Special attention to this group is needed as they are extremely vulnerable. Detection of sexual violence as well as other type of exploitation it is an important task for the all the medical team (MD, nurse and psychologist).  

•       Flagging those cases with the MD and Project Medical Referent and the Project Coordinator as well as with Social Worker in order to ensure proper care and protection.

Main tasks: 

•       Implement psychoeducation inside the camp in collaboration with the health promoter and cultural mediator, to increase awareness on MH care services available and decrease stigma on MH disorder. 

•       Carrying out evaluation of mental health needs of patients and identify appropriate treatment plan accordingly. 

•       Providing assessment and counseling/psychological support for survivors of sexual violence and gender based and/or physical violence, according to MSF protocols in close cooperation with the medical team.

•       Providing psychological support and psychotherapy sessions (individual, family, group) with the aim of crises intervention and stabilization of a person to patients according to MSF protocols in order to ease symptoms and improve their functionality.

•       Working in close collaboration with cultural mediators and Health Promoters.

•       Collecting statistical and monitoring data about mental health activities through regular documentation.

•       Informing the supervisor and the medical team about any issues or problems that may arise related to patients’ treatment in order to provide the best possible solution from a medical perspective.

•       Ensuring that all patient information is kept confidential.

•       Facilitate MH group sessions in accordance to chosen approach and agreed upon protocols.

•       Write certificates to support patients in legal procedures.

Qualifications

·       Master degree in psychology is essential. Essential degree or diploma in Psychology. License to practice as psychologist in Bulgaria. Desirable 2 years’ experience as a Psychologist.

·       Experience as Clinical Psychologist, is an asset.

·       Previous experience with transitionary migrants, refugees and asylum seekers population is an asset.

·       Previous experience in psychological support for (sexual) violence survivors is desirable.

·       Desirable previous experience with MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries.

·       English and Bulgarian language is mandatory. Desirable Arabic Language.

·       Desirable computer literacy (word, excel and internet).

Competencies

·       Results and Quality Orientation.

·       Teamwork and Cooperation.

·       Behavioral Flexibility.

·       Commitment to MSF principles.

·       Cross-cultural awareness.

·      Stress Management.

Post conditions

·       Annual gross salary: According to MSF Salary Policy.

·       Reimbursement of travel expenses and relocation package (for full time contracts) will be considered.

·       Health Insurance.

To apply

Please send your CV and a motivation letter in English quoting reference code “Psychologist Harmanli” in the subject line of the e-mail at MSF-Harmanli-FinHRManager@msf.org

Closing date: 13/08/2023

All applications will be treated in strictest confidentiality.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted