Job description
Summary: The Pediatric Psycho-Oncology Program (PPOP) is a vital initiative dedicated to supporting children and families affected by cancer through comprehensive psychological, emotional, and developmental care. This role is central to the program’s success, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based interventions across all phases of the illness journey—from diagnosis and treatment to palliative care and bereavement.
The incumbent will lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of psychological services, integrating individual, family, and community-based approaches. With a strong focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered care, and capacity building, this position plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for pediatric patients and their families.
Proficiency in Kannada is essential to effectively engage with local communities and ensure culturally sensitive service delivery.
Responsibilities
Plan, implement, and oversee the Pediatric Psycho-Oncology Program (PPOP), including policy and protocol development. Coordinate psychological services across hospitals, clinics, and tele-consultation platforms. Deliver face-to-face, online, and telephonic psychological interventions tailored to pediatric patients and their families.
Conduct psychological assessments using psychometric tools, clinical interviews, and observational methods. Provide individualized therapy and counseling across all treatment phases: diagnosis, active treatment, relapse, palliative care, and bereavement. Develop and monitor treatment plans, conduct follow-ups, and coordinate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Facilitate Sharing & Caring Sessions for parents and medical staff to promote emotional support and team cohesion. Implement expressive therapies including play, art, music, storytelling, relaxation techniques, and clown therapy. Lead non-pharmacological interventions for procedural pain management in children. Promote child-friendly environments through child life initiatives, including libraries, recreational activities, and wish-granting programs.
Conduct psycho-education sessions for patients and parents on stress management, behavioral challenges, and adaptive coping strategies. Provide psychological consultation to healthcare team members and support the implementation and monitoring of the “You Are Not Alone” (YANA) Program. Train and mentor psychologists, social workers, students, and allied professionals in pediatric psycho-oncology.
Design and lead research initiatives, develop assessment tools, and publish findings to advance evidence-based practice. Maintain accurate case records, manage online patient data, and prepare monthly, annual, and programmatic reports. Prepare detailed patient case studies and contribute to program evaluation and impact assessment.
Develop and maintain directories of external support services and facilitate access to counseling, rehabilitation, and community resources. Contribute to other organization-aligned projects and initiatives as required by the Reporting Manager. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Reporting Manager.
Requirements
Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related field. Valid registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) or equivalent regulatory body. Minimum of 3 years of experience in pediatric mental health, child psychology, or psycho-oncology. Proven experience in delivering psychological interventions in clinical or hospital settings.
Strong skills in psychometric assessment, individual and group therapy, and treatment planning. Experience in organizing and leading expressive therapies and child life activities. Demonstrated ability in research, documentation, and program reporting. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
Must be fluent in Kannada; proficiency in English and Hindi is preferred. Ability to work in high-pressure environments and adapt to shifting priorities. Commitment to ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered care.