Psychologist

Organization Overview:

Founded in 2004, by Poonam Bagai, herself a cancer survivor, CanKids KidsCan is a national NGO working in India to address the needs of children with cancer and their families. CanKids is dedicated to driving Change for Childhood Cancer in India with an ambitious goal to achieve Universal health coverage through 100% Access2Care & 100% Financial Protection by 2030 aligned to the WHO GICC (Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer) and Sustainable Development Goals, thereby securing the rights to health, education, childhood, pain-free and palliative care and the Right to be heard for all children with cancer (0-19 years) in India.

CanKids is the only organization in India working at all levels - grassroots, district, state, and national- and partnering and supporting hospitals, health authorities and professionals for the last 20 years to improve the quality/standard of treatment, care, and other holistic support services. Through its 141 CanKids Hospital Support Unit (CHSU) projects, CanKids ensures access to the best possible care for children with cancer and their families.

We are a team of hard-working, fun-loving folks driven for impact and excellence. In everything we do.

Please visit the official CanKids Website for further details.

Department Overview

The Paediatric Psycho-Oncology (PPO) Programme aims to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing individual and group psychological and therapeutic care throughout all stages of the cancer journey. It is a critical component of holistic support at CanKids.

Role Overview

The Psychologist will be responsible for implementing the PPO Program through psychological interventions, counselling, assessments, expressive therapies, child life interventions, research, and training. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive psycho-social support to children and families dealing with cancer.

Key Responsibilities

A. Program Planning and Implementation

● Plan and implement the Paediatric Psycho-Oncology Program (PPOP).

● Support in developing protocols, policies, and administrative frameworks.

● Coordinate psychological services in hospitals, clinics, and through tele-consultation.

B. Psychological Services

● Conduct face-to-face, online, and telephonic psychological intervention clinics.

● Administer psychological assessments using psychometric tools, interviews, and observations.

● Provide therapy and counselling across treatment phases (diagnosis, treatment, relapse, palliative, bereavement).

● Develop individualised treatment plans and monitor patient progress.

● Provide follow-ups, make referrals, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.

C. Group and Expressive Therapies

● Conduct Sharing & Caring Sessions with parents and medical teams.

● Implement expressive therapies (play, art, music, storytelling, relaxation, clown therapy).

● Lead procedural pain interventions using non-pharmacological approaches.

D. Child Life Interventions

● Promote child-friendly environments, libraries, and wish-granting activities.

E. Patient & Parent Psycho-Education

● Organize sessions on stress management, behavioural challenges, and coping mechanisms.

F. Advisory and YANA Program

● Provide psychological consultation to team members.

● Implement and monitor the “You Are Not Alone” (YANA) Program.

G. Capacity Building

● Train psychologists, social workers, students, and professionals in paediatric psycho-oncology.

H. Research and Impact Assessment

● Design tools and projects for psychological interventions.

● Conduct research and publish findings to support evidence-based practice.

I. Documentation and Reporting

● Maintain case records, online patient data, monthly and annual reports.

● Prepare patient case studies and programmatic reports.

J. Resource Development

● Develop directories and connect with external support services.

● Facilitate access to counselling and rehabilitation services.

K. Organizational Engagement

● Contribute to other aligned projects and organizational programs as required.

Other Extended Duties

● Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Reporting Manager.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Education:
MA in Psychology

Experience:
1–3 years in clinical, counseling, or pediatric psychology (preferably in a healthcare or NGO setting)

Skills & Competencies:

● People Skills: Strong counseling, interpersonal, and communication skills; team player.

● Process Management: Understanding of healthcare systems and psychological diagnostic tools.

● Change Management: Dynamic, flexible, results-oriented with leadership qualities.

● Experience in expressive therapies, group work, and psychological assessments.

● Proficiency in documentation and case reporting.

● Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and handle sensitive issues.

Key Deliverables

● Effective implementation of the Pediatric Psycho-Oncology Program

● High-quality psychological interventions across platforms

● Group therapy and expressive activities conducted regularly

● Well-coordinated capacity building and training programs

● Accurate data management, reporting, and research contributions

● Supportive resources and referrals in place for families and children

● Integration of psychosocial support into hospital units and community outreach

*CanKids KidsCan is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are welcomed and respected. We encourage applications from candidates of all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds to apply.