Psychologist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The position is based in Kherson, with frequent field travel to communities in Khersonskyi raion.

The Psychologist will provide specialized psychological support to clients with moderate to severe mental health conditions in community and home-based settings. The position involves providing individual counselling, group and psychoeducation sessions, as well as assessing beneficiaries’ needs as part of MHPSS mobile teams and developing individualized case management plans accordingly.

Working closely with the Nurse and Psychiatrist, the Psychologist will support the most vulnerable beneficiaries through home visits, provide Psychological First Aid and remote counselling when needed, and respond to urgent cases, including making appropriate referrals. The position requires conducting structured clinical assessments, maintaining strict confidentiality and accurate documentation, as well as actively participating in supervision sessions and team meetings.

The Psychologist will also collaborate with IRC’s partner organizations to provide psychological consultations and psychosocial support to clients referred through established referral pathways.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide specialized psychological counselling.
• Conduct group and information sessions, trainings, and psychoeducation activities.
• Assess the individual needs of beneficiaries and develop individualized case management strategies accordingly.
• Provide Psychological First Aid and remote psychological counselling online or by phone, as needed.
• Conduct structured clinical assessments and develop clear case management plans addressing clients’ cognitive, behavioural, and emotional needs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure systematic documentation of assessments, reviews, and follow-up actions.
• Effectively manage emergency cases and make appropriate referrals.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of services provided while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Actively participate in supervision meetings with the MHPSS Manager and MHPSS Specialist.
• Collaborate with IRC’s partner organizations to provide psychological consultations and psychosocial support to clients referred through established referral pathways.
• Provide MHPSS services in emergency situations.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor to support the objectives of the MHPSS programme.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Psychology.
• Knowledge and experience in clinical supervision and training delivery.
• Knowledge and experience in applying inter-agency MHPSS standards and guidelines, including the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience providing psychological support and counselling.
• Experience working in health programmes and previous experience with NGOs is desirable.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergency Settings and other MHPSS best practices.
• Experience in assessment, programme development, monitoring and evaluation, as well as technical training and supervision using the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).
• Strong understanding of protection principles, case management, and client-centred care in humanitarian settings.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required; basic English language skills are desirable.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to support data collection, maintain records, and prepare detailed weekly activity reports.

REPORTING STRUCTURE AND TEAM COLLABORATION

• Reports to: Health Manager, MHPSS Manager
• Direct reports: None
• Internal and external contacts: Health Department staff, other IRC departments, relevant healthcare providers, local authorities, partner organizations, protection actors, and other stakeholders operating in the area of responsibility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

• This position is field-based, requiring frequent travel to project locations based on security situation. Office (or remote) work for documentation, administration, and other project needs is expected approximately one day a week.
• Sometimes work on weekends may be required
• Work in the matrix organization
• Fast pace of working, multitasking and stressful work
• The organization cares about staff and provides flexible working options (start early-finish early, start later-finish later, remote work)

Staff can ask for accommodation in the workplace. Specific requests can be discussed with HR.

IRC employees are eligible to the following benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Hardship allowance (additional compensation for working in hazardous conditions)
• Purposeful job and development opportunities

• English classes and unlimited online training courses
• Life Insurance
• Medical insurance for staff and family members
• Free psychological support to employees and their family members
• 30 calendar days of annual vacation with flexibility beyond the legally set minimum requirements
• Up to 10 days of paid medical leave

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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