Background
Founded in 2015, INARA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides life-altering medical, mental health and psychosocial support and essential care to children impacted by human-induced and natural disasters. Fostering a future where we empower children to shape their own dignified lives.
INARA areas of intervention include comprehensive medical services, mental health and psychosocial support, education in emergencies, economic empowerment, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, and rapid emergency response. INARA emphasizes long-term care, ensuring that children receive continuous treatment and rehabilitation.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Psychologist will report operationally to the Syria Program Officer and work under the technical supervision of the Senior Program Officer, in close coordination with the Lead MHPSS Consultant. The role is responsible for providing specialized clinical expertise to support the implementation of the project’s MHPSS activities in Syria.
The Clinical Psychologist will contribute to the delivery of evidence-based interventions, support capacity-building efforts, provide technical input on clinical approaches and tools, and help ensure the quality and appropriateness of MHPSS services and training initiatives implemented under the project. The role will also support case consultations, referrals, and the adaptation of interventions to the local context, contributing to improved mental health outcomes for children, caregivers, and vulnerable communities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Include and may not be limited to:Clinical Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments of children and caregivers using standardized scales, clinical interviews, and observation techniques.
- Screen for mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, and behavioral issues, and differentiate them from normal stress responses.
- Assess the developmental, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of children, considering their trauma history, displacement status, and family dynamics.
- Document clinical findings in detailed assessment reports and provide clear diagnostic impressions to inform intervention planning.Treatment planning and Therapeutic Intervention
- Develop tailored treatment plans in collaboration with the child and caregiver, setting clear therapeutic goals, intervention methods, session frequency, and assessment indicators.
- Provide individual psychotherapy sessions using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
- Adapt therapeutic techniques to the child’s developmental level, trauma exposure, and cultural background to ensure effectiveness and engagement.
- Conduct family support sessions when needed to ensure family engagement and alignment between interventions and family dynamics, culture, and values and to improve communication, support systems, and caregiver-child relationships
- Lead group therapy sessions for children or adolescents to promote emotional expression and enhance peer connection.
- Facilitate caregiver support groups to help adults process their stress, build parenting skills, and enhance their capacity to support their children.
- Use creative and non-verbal therapies (e.g., art, drawing, and storytelling) for children with limited verbal expression.
- Ability to Provide therapy sessions using online settings when neededFollow-Up and discharge:
- Monitor the child’s progress over time through follow-up sessions, assessments, and caregiver feedback.
- Modify treatment approaches as needed, based on the child’s response, external factors (e.g., family dynamics, housing), and overall case evolution.
- Coordinate internal case reviews with the MHPSS team to ensure alignment and quality of care.
- Conduct caregiver psychoeducation sessions between treatment sessions when needed to provide parenting support strategies tailored to families experiencing displacement, poverty, or medical burden.
- Define clear, measurable clinical indicators for discharge during the treatment planning phase and ensure that discharge takes place timely and effectively
- Create a “Relapse Prevention Plan” with the child and caregiver before discharge. to ensure that once clinical sessions end, the family has a documented strategy to identify early warning signs of distress and knows which specific coping mechanisms or community resources to re-engageCrisis Management and Emergency Response
- Provide immediate psychosocial support during acute mental health crises such as dissociative episodes, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, or violent outbursts.
- Develop and implement safety plans for children at risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Coordinate with INARA’s safeguarding focal point and external protection actors when child abuse, neglect, or exploitation is suspected.
- Maintain availability (in coordination with the team) to respond to urgent mental health needs in high-risk cases.Referral and Coordination
- Identify cases that require specialized psychiatric assessment, medication, or hospitalization, and ensure timely referral to appropriate mental health providers or institutions.
- Liaise with external MHPSS actors, hospitals, and protection partners to ensure service continuity and avoid duplication.
- Participate in internal coordination meetings with INARA’s medical and case management teams to review complex cases and develop interdisciplinary strategies.Community-Based MHPSS Activities
- Support the development of safe and inclusive community-based activities such as stress management workshops, creative and fun expression days, and stress-relief games.
- Conduct awareness sessions with caregivers and community members to reduce mental health stigma and promote positive coping strategies.
- Collaborate with community leaders, teachers, and local institutions to identify at-risk children and strengthen referral networks.
- Provide input on designing culturally appropriate MHPSS campaigns that address trauma, displacement, and resilience.Capacity Building and Internal Support
- Take part in regular training sessions for INARA staff and community volunteers on key MHPSS topics including Psychological First Aid (PFA), signs of distress in children, basic counseling skills, and safe referrals.
- Be available, on time and in accordance with the schedule and fully participate in all scheduled individual and group supervision and meetings.
- Participate in technical consultations related to manuals, tools, and intervention approaches.
- Provide clinical input into the adaptation and implementation of project-supported MHPSS interventions.
- Contribute clinical expertise to project reporting and learning processes.Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential case files in accordance with INARA’s data protection policies and donor requirements.
- Use INARA’s case management platform to track session notes, treatment plans, referrals, and progress evaluations.
- Provide weekly/monthly reports on caseload statistics, intervention outcomes, challenges, and success stories for internal monitoring and external reporting.
- Participating in donor site visits or reporting requirements as needed, providing narrative input on MHPSS program impact.
Qualification:
- Master’s degree in clinical psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a closely related field.
- Proven knowledge of trauma-informed and evidence-based therapeutic models (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, Narrative Exposure Therapy).
- Strong interpersonal, empathy, and crisis intervention skills.
Experience:
- Minimum 2–5 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services, preferably in humanitarian or post-conflict contexts.
- Experience working with vulnerable and multicultural populations including refugees and children with medical needs.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter to recruitment@inara.org with the subject line: “Clinical Psychologist – Syria”