Counselling Psychologist at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Location: Kakuma Kenya

Reports to: Counselling Coordinator

Contract Type; Fixed term, renewable (with initial probation period of 3 months)

Salary Range: 70,000 –82,000 /month (Gross)

Operational Context/Role

This is a position based in Kakuma. The Counselling psychologist is responsible for psychosocial support services in the JRS Counselling Department in Kakuma, under the direction and supervision of the Counselling Coordinator.

Key responsibilities:

Psychosocial support.

• Conduct one on one counselling sessions to refugees in distress in specific areas assigned in Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement.
• Facilitate group therapy and family therapy sessions
• Support the design and implementation of therapeutic models for group and individual therapeutic intervention
• Provide supervision to community counsellors and complimentary healing therapists
• Conduct trainings on mental health and psychosocial themes
• Carry out an in-depth assessment of needs of refugees in distress and design of methodologies to address these needs with a multidisciplinary approach.
• Conduct sensitization forums and psychoeducation to members of the community
• Ensure that clients’ records are kept up to date and that the principle of confidentiality is adhered to
• Maintain appropriate documentation and reporting tools.
• Be actively involved in advocacy on behalf of refugees.
• Offer support to the Kakuma Project in other areas as needed.

Reporting

• Keep the Pro informed on the activities of the project by providing relevant correspondence, reports and meeting minutes.
• Responsible for prompt submission of all Counselling and Mental Health reports required.
• Keep proper records and reports of all clients attended to and referred for further assistance.

Communication

• In conjunction with the Counselling Coordinator represent JRS in MHPSS meetings and other inter agency meetings relevant to the counselling department.
• Work collaboratively with the counselling and the rest of JRS team and with other stakeholders as instructed e.g. UNHCR, LWF, IRC, IsraAID, etc.
• Represent JRS at stakeholders’ meetings as necessary.

Desired Qualifications and Professional Experience:

• Bachelor Degree in Psychology, Counselling or a related field.
• At least 2-3 years in field experience within a Humanitarian NGO/Agency in the same or similar position.
• Extensive experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and groups.
• Understanding of and experience implementing culturally appropriate mental health interventions, including individual, group and community-based approaches for people who have suffered torture and trauma.
• Willingness to work with minorities group highly desired
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and needs.
• Skilled at working as a member of a team.
• Working knowledge of English and Swahili
• Experience in working as a counsellor or ability to be an empathic counsellor
• Experience working in local and regional context and knowledge of the local area and community structures desirable.
• Previous working experience with refugee desired.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to maintain neutrality, impartiality and confidentiality in all aspects of work undertaken.
• Excellent skills in organization, attention to detail and time management (including the ability to meet deadlines) Interest in or commitment to human rights.

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical, reporting, strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Strong monitoring and evaluation skills/experience
• Proactive, Creative and innovative
• Knowledge of project cycle management
• Good knowledge of MS word, Excel/Office

Core values

• Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’ role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.
• Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal, stressful and unstable environment.

Conditions

Contract is for 8 months, renewable with an initial probationary period of three months. The contract has Health benefits (staff only) and a retirement plan.

The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. The salary is calculated with the use of a post-adjustment multiplier and takes into account years of relevant experience and degree of responsibility of the role.