Psychologist - Project Survivors of Torture - Palermo

MSF Italy has identified migrant and refugee survivors of torture and other forms of intentional violence (SoT) in Palermo metropolitan area among the most vulnerable and neglected people.

For this reason, since 2020, MSF has developed a program specifically aimed at this target population through a multidisciplinary model of care (medical, psychological, intercultural mediation and socio-legal support); until March 2023, the program has been implemented in collaboration with the Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP) of Palermo; currently two memoranda of understanding have been signed with the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) "Giaccone" and the University of Palermo with the aim of developing the clinical component in Policlinico and strengthening the teaching and research ones.

The Project also aims at identifying SoTs through outreach activities in migrants/refugees' reception centers, informal settlements and within the migrant/refugee communities in Palermo metropolitan area and to strengthen socio-legal assistance through collaboration with CLEDU organization and the University of Palermo (Department of Law).

• With the support of the Project Medical Referent and the Mental Health Activity Manager, implementing the planned activities of identification and taking in charge of Survivor of Torture according to the project medical strategy and SoPs (standard operational procedures);
• Participating to the First Assessments, identifying mental health needs, planning the Individualized Therapeutic Plans for the Mental Health component and having a proper follow-up;
• Providing specialized Mental Health care (individual psychotherapy and group therapy) to survivors of torture and intentional violence, through a multidisciplinary treatment model maintaining good and regular communication and collaboration with other team members according to therapeutic objectives, following the MSF MHPSS guidelines.
• Providing Mental Health support (assesment for the hospitalized migrant patients and providing mental health assesment for the medico-legal visit when is needed).
• Participating in regular team meetings, supervisions,InterVisions and multidisciplinary case discussions, while preparing the case discussion in multidisciplinary asset.
• Regularly compiling the project reports and databases (EMR, SitRep, patient chart, treatment plan and outcome measures, Mental Health first assessment and follow up forms, etc.).
• Contributing with the MSAM in reviewing and developing the technical materials, tools, guidelines, and documents, and following the implementation of all Mental Health standard protocols and procedures set by the project (in collaboration and agreement with NHS staff operating in the SoT service), in order to provide the most appropriate treatment for the patients.
• Participating to the training and coaching of national health staff, according to MSF expertise, on migration health issues with specific focus on the mental health of survivors of torture/violence.
• Collaborating with local actors for the referral of specific patients, while reporting problematic situations and cases to the supervisors (and Mental Health Activity Manager for technical support)
• In collaboration with the PMR, strengthening relations and ensuring smooth collaboration with national health staff working in Policlinic in Palermo and the legal partner (CLEDU).

• Collaborating to the preparation of health promotion materials for the outreach activities and support, when demanded, in delivery of health promotion sessions in regard to mental health.

• Contributing in regularly mapping the existing Mental Health services, including other INGO’s, local NGO’s, community groups and national health system services. Identifying possible advocacy issues and reporting them to the PC/PMR.
• Participating in communication, advocacy and raising awareness initiatives, according to the specific role in the project
• Based on the project needs, being available to move across different locations of operations in Italy (for example for PFA interventions).

Conditions:

Contract: Fixed term contract of 8 months (renewable), 32 hours a week, 4 days a week (part-time, FTE: 0.8). Level III of Italian CCNL of Commerce. Candidates should hold a work permit to work in Italy.

Gross Annual Salary:  Euro 31,351.82 – 37,622.00 depending on the MSF experience of the selected candidate (salary grid is based on full-time so compensation will be ajusted base on the actual working hours).

Duty Station: Project is based in Palermo, with occassional moves based on the needs of the mission.

Compensation and benefits:

• Health Insurance: health insurance will be granted through the Italian National Health Care System plus an extra medical insurance (Sanimpresa) for contracts with a duration of 90 days or greater, which covers medical costs, illness and hospitalization, permanent invalidity and death (100k).
• The staff will be entitled to a luncheon voucher worth €5 for each day worked for at least 4 hours for the entire period of his/her contract.
• Accommodation for relocated staff only: MSF provides accommodation in the form of collective housing (shared accommodation with a contribution based on the duty station)
• Transport: MSF will cover a round trip ticket at the beginning and at the end of the contract and an additional round trip ticket will be paid by MSF between the place of domicile and assignment location every 12 months of contract for non-Italian residents.

Deadline for application: 11/04/2025 at 12.00 (noun) 

Desired starting date: 01/05/2025

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

MSF Italy is an inclusive employer that fosters diversity and engages systematically to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided without regard to age, race, creed, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws.