Psychological Counsellor (VA.NO.10/2020)

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Vacancy Notice No. 10/2020

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General Background

UNHCR Thailand works in an urban context with over 5,000 Persons of Concern (POC) registered with the Office. Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention/1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and, POCs who do not have legal document/visa are considered to be illegal in Thailand and are subject to arrest and indefinite detention. Additionally, the vast majority of POCs do not have work permits and so survive in precarious arrangements, and face challenges in accessing basic needs and services, including education, housing, and medical and psychological care.

As a result, many POCs, including those detained in the Immigration Detention Center as well as POCs going through UNHCR protection process, report and show indication of mental health issues ranging from depression to more severe psychiatric conditions

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

• Assess the psychological state/condition of refugees/asylum seekers referred by the Protection, Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and Durable Solutions units as needed.
• Meet and conduct psychological counselling and assessments, and psychological support, such as therapy session, for refugees/asylum seekers with high level of mental/psychological concerns at various locations including the UNHCR office, BRC (Bangkok Refugee Centre), Immigration Detention Centres, community and/or any other appropriate location.
• Support Protection unit by providing psychological sessions in the community visit and/or focus group discussion.
• Submit corresponding psychological reports and recommendations pertaining to refugees and asylum seekers met, assessed and/or counselled in a timely manner. In these psychological reports and recommendations answer any questions raised by Protection Staff (Registration, RSD, Durable Solutions) relating to the mental/psychological condition of the refugees and asylum seekers met, their suitability for undertaking the UNHCR process and recommended approach to fact-finding and interviewing as well as treatment recommendations.
• Provide urgent counselling/psychological support to any individuals in need, in close coordination with other Protection staff (Registration, RSD, Durable Solutions).
• Provide counselling/psychological support to refugees and asylum seekers during refugee status notification as needed, in close coordination with the Protection staff (Registration, RSD, Durable Solutions).
• Provide psychological training for staffs from UNHCR and BRC.
• Submit a (short) summary report of cases handled at the end of December.
• Perform functions related to the foregoing.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Submit individuals assessment report for each POC who receives psychological attention and submit to Protection Officer within 1 week of meeting eith POC.
• Submit a (short) summary report of cases handled at the end of December.

Definition of the Final Product

• Psychological treatment rendered in the form of clinical assessments as well as individual and group therapy sessions.
   

Qualification and Experience of the Individual Contractor

• Masters or doctorate in psychology or related field, clinical education and training preferred;
• At least two years experience treating clients in group and individual settings;
• Fluent in English, fluency in a second language (ie Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese) would be an advantage.

Submission of Applications:

If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your letter of motivation and duly signed P.11 by e-mail clearly stating the position title, vacancy notice number and your Last Name in the subject line to: THABAHR@unhcr.org by the closing date.

The Personal History Form and its supplementary sheet can be downloaded from: https://www.unhcr.or.th/sites/default/files/u11/P11_UNHCR.docm and 

https://www.unhcr.or.th/sites/default/files/u11/P11SUP_UNHCR.docm

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).

UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

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