Head of Psychosocial Department

Job Title: Head of Psychosocial Department

Position Type and Closing Date

Full-time position, National Position.

Location: Based in Jerusalem

Reports to: The Chief Medical Officer

Supervising: Psychosocial Department team

Full-time position.

Closing date for applications: 2nd of March 2025

 Applicants are required to uphold the core values of our organization.

The Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) is a medical center of excellence that has been providing healthcare services and other health programs for about 70 years to Palestinians, including refugees from throughout the West Bank and Gaza. AVH, a program by the Lutheran World Federation, serves patients regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, or political conviction, without discrimination or favoritism; It is a modern tertiary care facility that serves the most disadvantaged patients from Gaza and the West Bank and has a special historic relationship with the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees

For additional information, please see www.lutheranworld.org/World Service.

Terms of Reference

Main outcome of the role:

The Head of the Psychosocial Department will lead a comprehensive Psychosocial services team within a hospital specializing in oncology, dialysis, and geriatric care for pediatric and adult patients. This position involves developing psychosocial programs and ensuring the delivery of high-quality mental health support to patients and their families facing complex medical challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management:

• Abide by the privacy and confidentiality standards of the profession and the policies of the hospital.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the psychosocial department.
• Staff Management: Responsible for overseeing department staff, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and ensuring a productive and professional work environment.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment focused on patient-centered care.

2. Clinical Oversight:

• Ensure the delivery of evidence-based psychological assessments and interventions for oncology, dialysis, and geriatric patients.
• Monitor and evaluate clinical practices and outcomes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

3. Program Development:

• Design and implement innovative psychosocial programs aimed at enhancing the emotional well-being of patients, families, and caregivers.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate psychosocial support into the comprehensive care model for oncology and dialysis patients.
• Lead initiatives to promote mental health awareness and education within the hospital and the community.
• Train and support staff in effectively summarizing counselling sessions in both medical and personal files, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to professional standards.
• Prepare a monthly report for the department's work based on the social worker's data.
• Hold weekly meetings and provide supervision and training for the employees of the Psycho-social unit.
• Establish a good rapport with the head nurses and doctors of the different departments.
• Hold periodic meetings with the Chief Medical Officer to discuss the progress of the psychosocial unit.

4. Collaboration and Advocacy:

• Serve as an advocate for the psychosocial needs of patients, working closely with medical staff to ensure holistic care.
• Build relationships with external organizations and resources to facilitate additional support services for patients and families.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor the quality of the social service department through the patient satisfaction questionnaire that is administered by the quality department.
• Evaluate employees, their activities, programs, and the implementation of their work according to the schedules designed for the work they are doing.

7. Professional Development:

• Engage in ongoing professional development and stay current with trends in psychosocial oncology and chronic illness management.
  
  

To carry out any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the direct supervisor.

This job description is subject to renewal or re-evaluation according to the discretion of the hospital's management.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in psychosocial support, mental health, or counseling services.
• At least 3 years of leadership or management experience in a similar role.
• Experience working in healthcare, humanitarian, or non-profit organizations is an advantage.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and psychosocial support frameworks.
• Familiarity with local and international mental health policies, ethical guidelines, and best practices.
• Professional certification and valid license.
• Proficiency in documentation and case management systems.
• Strong communication skills, verbal communication, delivery of presentations, and excellent writing abilities in English. Hebrew language knowledge is an asset.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and demonstrate flexibility and creativity in planning and problem-solving.

Skills & Competencies:

• Leadership & Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of psychosocial professionals.
• Counseling & Crisis Intervention: Strong skills in providing psychological first aid and crisis intervention.
• Capacity Building: Ability to train and support staff in psychosocial interventions, documentation, and case management.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to engage with diverse groups, including staff, patients, and external stakeholders.
• Program Development & Implementation: Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating psychosocial programs.
• Ethical & Cultural Sensitivity: Strong commitment to ethical practices and cultural competence in mental health services.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess situations, make informed decisions, and address challenges effectively.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Skilled in working across departments and with external partners to enhance psychosocial support services.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Capacity to work in high-stress environments and manage emotional challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a global communion of 148 churches in the Lutheran tradition, representing 75.5 million Christians in 99 countries. LWF World Service works in 25 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.  LWF Jerusalem program has served the Palestinians in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza through humanitarian, health and educational programs since 1948. LWF manages the Augusta Victoria Hospital, two vocational training centers in Ramallah and in East Jerusalem and its central office is on the Mount of Olives.

Interested and qualified candidates can apply online through Apply Now-button below