Psychologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Purpose 

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

Job Description

• Carrying out evaluation of mental health needs of patients and establishing a diagnosis and a plan of treatment. Informing the patient and his/her relatives about the possible consequences of the illness and the drug treatment to follow and referring patients to other health professionals whenever necessary, to provide the most appropriate treatment and improve the patient's condition
• 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 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 translators to ensure appropriate terminology and behavior during sessions
• Collecting statistical and monitoring data about mental health activities
• Informing the supervisor and the medical team about any issues or problems that may arise related to patients’ treatment to provide the best possible solution from a medical perspective
• Ensuring that all patient information is kept confidential.

MSF Section / Context Specific Accountabilities

• Provide psychological support services to key populations in the community that require MHPSS including survivors of ill treatment and torture, SGBV, displaced populations, and beneficiaries in the hospital.
• Provide assessment and recommendation for appropriate treatments
• Diagnose and treat various mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders identified and referred from the community and the GH
• Review relevant literature, synthesize evidence-based materials, and translate complex behavioral health concepts that are applicable in MSF context
• Conduct case management and other administrative tasks as needed related to patients
• Provide referral services to other medical departments and to adequate local facilities if needed
• Doing a community mental health assessment and planning a strategy
• With the help of the MHS, organize trainings and staffs of other actors
• Map the details of existing mental health services, including other NGOs, community groups and government health services
• Participate in outreach programs to raise awareness of mental health promotion and prevention strategies, including facilitation of support groups and provision of specialized mental health services.
• Participate in the training of to CMHWs, counselors, medical staff and other stake holders, and the development of communication materials for beneficiaries.
• Liase with other departments with the help of MHS to enhance an inter department referral for MH needs
• Monitoring and evaluating culturally appropriate psycho-social interventions
• Organizing group therapeutic and psycho-educational activities
• Implement MSF standard mental health protocols and procedures
• Along with MHS work on the development and improvement of work tools
• Contribute to the development of advocacy strategies to enhance prevention strategies.
• With the support of the supervisor, develop and execute weekly plans to promote mental health and prevent mental illnesses among beneficiaries.
• Supporting the programme and the team by suggesting improvements in line with MSF's objectives and strategies
• Take part in contribution to the weekly and monthly reporting, regular update of the HMIS and ensuring accurate data collection.
• Ensure psychiatric patients receive proper psychosocial support and treatment with the help of psychiatry focal person in the GH
• Avail yourself for joint assessment of both medical and psychiatry cases where there isn’t a clear understanding of criteria for MH services
• Implement adherence counseling to ensure they are taking their psychotropic medication properly with the help of CMHWs., either within an MSF programme or via an alternative resource
• Propose the implementation and improvement of care for patients suffering from mental disorders, using strategies and tools adapted to the context and culture
• Be flexible to take additional tasks and duties assigned by your supervisor within your capacity and skills base.

Requirements 

• Education: Essential Degree or Diploma in Psychology
• Experience: Essential 2 years’ experience minimum as a psychologist
• Desirable previous experience with MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries
• Language: Mission language essential. Hausa language desirable
• Knowledge: Desirable computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Competencies People Management and Development, Results and Quality Orientation, Behavioral Flexibility, commitment to MSF Principles, Teamwork and Cooperation.