Psychologist​/Mental Health Counselor

Overview

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent national NGO in Iraq, committed to supporting Internally Displaced Persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities across all Iraqi cities and governorates. With operations in key regions such as Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Nineveh, Diyala, and Basra, AGO focuses on rebuilding lives and promoting inclusivity for all, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

As part of a multi-partner consortium led by AGO, this project aims to provide tailored Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to returnees from Northeast Syria, with a focus on trauma healing and psychosocial reintegration. The intervention includes individual counseling sessions, psychosocial support group sessions, and established referral pathways in collaboration with the Directorate of Health (DoH) and other specialized psychiatric service providers.

The Psychologist will be responsible for conducting individual trauma-focused counseling sessions and facilitating psychosocial group support sessions. The position holder will support participants in processing conflict-related trauma, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and building resilience, using evidence-based and client-centered therapeutic approaches.

• Individual Counseling & Trauma Support
  • Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions for returnees affected by conflict and displacement.
  • Use evidence-based therapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT, narrative therapy, trauma-informed care) to support trauma recovery.
  • Ensure sessions are age-appropriate, confidential, and adapted to participants’ psychological needs.
  • Provide initial psychological assessments and track client progress over time.
  • Identify and refer individuals with severe mental health conditions to specialized psychiatric services.
• Group Psychosocial Support
  • Facilitate group sessions (min. 5 sessions per group) for 10 participants of the same age and gender.
  • Organize groups based on specific needs (e.g., trauma survivors, women, adolescents).
  • Promote peer support, emotional expression, and resilience-building strategies during group work.
  • Adjust the number of sessions based on ongoing assessment and observation.
• Deliverables
  • Individual counseling session plans and session notes (confidential).
  • At least five group session reports per group, including attendance and feedback.
  • Referral reports and follow-ups (with client consent and confidentiality maintained).
  • Monthly summary report on activities and case trends.
  • Final end-of-assignment report including challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations.
• Safeguarding and Ethics
  • The Psychologist must comply with the organization’s Code of Conduct, PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse), Child Safeguarding, and Confidentiality policies.
  • Background and reference checks will be part of the recruitment process.

Education: Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related mental health field from an accredited institution.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience providing psychological counseling, preferably in humanitarian, post-conflict, or displacement settings.

Technical Skills:

• Proven experience using evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, narrative therapy, trauma-informed care).
• Strong skills in psychological assessment, treatment planning, and case documentation.
• Experience facilitating group psychosocial support sessions.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of trauma, PTSD, and psychosocial impacts of conflict and displacement.
• Familiarity with referral pathways and coordination with specialized psychiatric services.

Languages: Fluency in Arabic and/or Kurdish required; proficiency in English is an asset.

Other Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with cultural sensitivity and empathy.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage complex caseloads, and adapt to changing needs in the field.

Interested applicants must complete the Job Application Form.

Note:

• Ap…