Part Time Psychosocial Support Counsellor at World University Service of Canada

Scope of work

• In addition to Life Skills education, LEAP is working to increase the availability and quality of trauma-informed psychosocial support at the TVET level. The goal of this work is to ensure girls have access to necessary support and specialized support services where needed in order to protect their psychosocial well-being. WUSC is seeking a part-time counsellor to provide timely and effective psychosocial support to the young women hosted in the Technical Vocational Education Institutions by
• Support the development of a comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) response plan for LEAP focusing on students hosted in four TVET institutions in consultation with WUSC and other relevant stakeholders, including TVET institution management. The response plan should include mapping of MHPSS service providers available to TVET students (including existing referral pathways), identified gaps in MHPSS service provision within identified TVET institutions and provide recommendations for sustainable and quality MHPSS activities to address these gaps.
• Provide appropriate and timely therapeutic services, as requested and desired by TVET students, including individual and group counseling sessions. This support may be provided via email, phone and/or video conferencing software such as Zoom or Skype.
• Conduct regular assessments of the psychosocial well-being of TVET students using appropriate and globally recognized psychometric instruments, provide progress reports and document referrals made to other service providers for more specialized assistance (including on safeguarding concerns) with the student(s) consent and in consultation with WUSC.
• Develop and facilitate sessions (ideally in person on a quarterly basis) for TVET students on relevant topics related to student psychosocial wellbeing, including but not limited to self-care, psychological first aid (PFA), stress management and resilience building.
• Report on psychosocial activities carried out (during school periods and during breaks) together with students and provide recommendations based on the findings.
• Provide ad hoc counselling and trauma interventions on site for the TVET students as needed.

Qualifications and competencies

• University degree in counselling, psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, mental health, or any other related field from a recognized institution. A Master's degree will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in providing mental health and psychosocial support (including counselling and case management) in a humanitarian setting.
• A registered member of a recognised Counsellors and Psychologists Association will be an added advantage.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and dynamic facilitation skills when dealing with different groups.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Swahili.
• In-depth knowledge in the provision of psychosocial support in an international context (desirable).
• Trained and experienced in behavioural therapy (desired).
• A driven self-starter capable of adapting to changing circumstances and priorities in consultation with WUSC.

Core competency

• Should be guided by a bereaved approach and should be able to demonstrate professionalism, competence and knowledge in work carried out in accordance with the principles of confidentiality, non-discrimination, safety and respect.