The Venezuelan Red Cross (CRV) is a humanitarian organization whose mandate is to save lives and improve the conditions of vulnerable people. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it provides timely assistance in emergencies, disasters, and other humanitarian crises.
Guided by its Fundamental Principles—Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality—the CRV acts as an auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field, working to reduce human suffering without distinction of race, gender, religion, or ideology. Its work encompasses emergency medical care, strengthening community resilience, first aid training, disaster response, and the promotion of health and well-being.
Through a network of highly committed volunteers, the CRV efficiently and effectively mobilizes resources to be present where and when they are most needed. Its work is based on solidarity, respect for human dignity, and a commitment to protecting life in all its forms.
If you want to be part of the team and make a difference, we invite you to join us.
Please verify that you meet all or most of the requirements to apply.
How can you make a difference? Key functions / Responsibilities
The Psychologist will be responsible for contributing to the implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) actions aimed at people, families and communities affected by emergencies and disasters, including community psychosocial support and psychological care when appropriate.
It will also contribute to strengthening the capacities of the Venezuelan Red Cross volunteer force, to integrating SMAPs into the activities of the Red Cross Field Hospital and other sectors of the response, and to establishing safe mechanisms for identification, support, referral and follow-up.
Functions and responsibilities
- Participate in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) needs assessments, using individual, group and community methodologies adapted to the context, identifying needs, resources, capacities and groups that may require additional support.
- Provide basic psychosocial support and apply Psychological First Aid (PFA) skills in crisis situations.
- Conduct individual or group psychological assessment and support when indicated, according to the identified needs, your professional skills and established protocols.
- To safely identify individuals who may require additional support or specialized care, facilitate appropriate referrals, and contribute to follow-up when necessary, in accordance with established protocols.
- Plan and facilitate community psychosocial support activities, including psychoeducation, group and recreational activities, strengthening of support networks and other interventions adapted to the needs and characteristics of the population.
- Provide technical support and supervision to volunteers who carry out SMAPS activities, promoting safe, relevant interventions in accordance with their skills.
- Maintain records of activities and services provided and contribute to monitoring, analysis and report preparation in accordance with established protocols.
- To guarantee confidentiality, data protection, informed consent where appropriate and respect for the dignity, safety and diversity of the people served.
- Strengthen the capacities of the Venezuelan Red Cross volunteer force through training, technical support and supervision in PAP, community psychosocial support, psychoeducation, safe identification of needs and referral mechanisms.
- Contribute to welfare and psychosocial support actions aimed at staff and volunteers involved in the response, including support in situations of acute distress and facilitating access to additional care when necessary.
- Coordinate and integrate SMAPS actions with the Health, Community Health, PGI, CEA, RFL, WASH and other response components teams, according to the identified needs.
- Contribute to the adaptation and development of information, psychoeducation and awareness materials, ensuring their cultural and contextual relevance.
- Promote and act in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the SMAPS Framework and Policy of the Movement and the rules and procedures of the Venezuelan Red Cross.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by your direct supervisor.
Workplace
Caracas, with availability to travel to La Guaira.
Requirements
- University Degree in Psychology.
- Valid professional registration to practice in Venezuela.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in individual or community psychological care.
- Desirable experience in psychosocial support, community mental health or humanitarian response.
- Knowledge of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and crisis management.
- Ability to work with vulnerable populations and diverse age groups.
- Communication skills, active listening, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Ability to work under pressure and in emergency contexts.
- Fluency in Spanish; knowledge of English will be valued.
- Commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
- High sense of professional ethics, confidentiality and respect for human dignity.
How to apply
Only a shortlist of candidates will be contacted to advance to the next phase of the selection process. Candidates will be asked to speak with their previous direct reports/line managers before proceeding to interviews.
All those interested in applying for the position and who meet all or most of the requirements for the role should send their CV to the email address:Â postulaciones@cruzrojavenezolana.org
The email subject line should read: Psychologist_Caracas
CVs received without the title assigned to the call will be discarded.
Please review the professional requirements to be eligible.