Local Consultant Mental Health

From AFSWiki

AFS-USA Volunteer Position Description

Local Consultant – Mental Health

Provide guidance and advice to Support Staff (and possibly vol support coordinator) in support cases based on his/her profession. This may include taking an active role by performing a psychological or psychiatric evaluation, treating the student involved, and providing verbal and written assessment reports. Natural family permission required after initial consultation.

Responsible to: Support Staff and/or Team Support Coordinator

Time Required:

• Varies greatly. Some years none, others could be roughly two to five hours for consultation or more if actually treating the student.
• No length of service required.

Competencies Required:

• Licensed psychologist or psychiatrist
• Cross-cultural experience or different cultural background helpful
• Knowledge of AFS or exchange industry helpful
• Specialization in adolescent behavior issues beneficial

Training:

• License or educational background, certification, and/or medical degree
• Training in intercultural and adolescent behavior issues helpful

Works with:

• Staff
  • Participant Support Coordinator
  • Participant Support Manager
• Volunteer
  • Team Support Coordinator
  • Team Chair

Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance and advice to AFS in support cases based on his/her profession.
• Conduct initial consultation/ psychological evaluation
• Provide treatment in consultation with AFS support staff, support vols, and natural family (as needed)
• Provide written reports to AFS and natural family

Benefits to Volunteer:

• Involvement with AFS, intercultural learning and understanding