Africa – Senior Counselor at United States International University - USIU Africa

Reporting to the Principal Counselor, the successful candidate will be responsible for the provision of emotional and professional growth of students, developing and monitoring counseling support programs, and providing career coaching programs to the USIU -Africa Community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual, couple and family counseling and psychotherapy to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and USIU-Africa community to enable them manage their problems and optimally function so that they can meet their educational and life goals.
• Facilitate group counseling and or support groups to enhance learning and support from other students.
• Awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse, sexual and reproductive among others which includes planning, organizing, implementing, evaluation and reporting on awareness programs and activities.
• Crisis intervention in the event of a crisis through provision of defusing, debriefing, and trauma counseling either individually or in groups geared towards restoration of healthy psychological, cognitive and social functioning.
• Research, design, develop and disseminate information/educational and publicity materials (notice board campaigns, posters, brochures, e-mail messages) that create awareness, guide the prevention and management of emerging and contextual issues likely to impact negatively on students, e.g. HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse, stress, relationships among others and promote mental health.
• Strengthen Scholars’ life skills through psycho-education, planning and facilitating training on life skills, consulting with various student groups, clubs and sport teams, student leaders for development of life skills and leadership skills.
• Networking: Maintain a wide range of mental health contacts to facilitate appropriate referrals for Scholars needing specialized treatment and care and consultation. Internally liaise with other sectors in the Academic and student affairs division, and the academic schools for effective referrals and consultations and send informative reports that enhance informed decision making for referred students (disciplinary and academic probation or dismissal cases among others).
• Record keeping /database management- Prepare comprehensive professional clinical notes on client (Scholars) progress for ongoing care and reference.
• Reports: Prepare comprehensive semester counseling and events reports and forward them to the Principal Counselor for purposes of planning and decision making.
• Attend regular continuing education, case conferences and supervision with an external counselor supervisor to ensure and maintain highest standards for professionalism and service delivery.
• Plan and organize for Peer Counselors and Educators trainings, train and supervise peer counselors and educators to enhance awareness of HIV/AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse among other issues in the community.
• Technology: be able to utilize available technology to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services, programs and publicity.
• Conduct needs and impact /client satisfaction surveys.
• Performs additional job-related duties and responsibilities as requested.

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Educational qualifications: Masters degree in Counseling/Clinical Psychology from a recognized educational institution.
• Professional Qualifications: Membership to a Professional Association nationally and internationally; NASCOP VCT certification for HIV Testing.
• Served as senior counseling Officer for a minimum of 3 years.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
• Confidentiality and integrity.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Relationship builder & effective negotiator.
• Good communication skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability and reliability.