Program Officer – Mental Health - Kwale at LVCT Health

CP/LVCT/11/2023

Job purpose

The Counseling Psychologist will be responsible for delivering high-quality counselling services to clients across diverse demographics. They will be responsible for conducting assessments, providing inclusive, and affirming therapy sessions and implementing personalized treatment plans to address various mental health concerns amongst the Gender and Sexual Diversities. Additionally, they will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, contribute to development and implementation of mental health programs. Upholding ethical standards and demonstrating sensitivity and diversity will be integral aspects for this role.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Clinical Counseling: Conduct various counselling sessions, including individual, family and group therapies, employing diverse therapeutic approaches to address specific mental health concerns. This involves establishing a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring and addressing their challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and other psychological issues.
• Assessment and diagnosis: Perform thorough psychological assessments utilizing standardized tools and techniques to evaluate clients' emotional, behavioural, and cognitive patterns. This involves in-depth interviews and observations to form accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs.
• Treatment planning:Create detailed treatment plans based on assessment outcomes, collaborating closely with clients to establish attainable goals and interventions. These plans will incorporate evidence-based practices and consider cultural nuances, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health improvement.
• Therapeutic interventions: Implement evidence-based interventions both individual and group, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and other appropriate modalities to help clients navigate and overcome emotional, behavioral or psychological challenges.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintain confidential records of client sessions, progress notes, and treatment plans by regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Collaboration and consultation: Collaborate with fellow mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, social workers and educators. Offer consultation and insights into counselling psychology to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to client care.
• Community outreach: Organize and conduct workshops, seminars and outreach programs aimed at increasing mental health awareness, reducing stigma and fostering positive mental well-being within the KP community.
• Continuous Professional Development:Stay abreast of the latest research, therapies and advancements in counselling psychology through ongoing training, workshops and professional development opportunities. This involves pursuing further education, attending conferences and engaging in peer-reviewed literature to enhance counselling skills and remain updated on best practices.
• Program Management: Develop and implement models for mental health program delivery, including the integration of mental health into existing programs and the development of new initiatives. Provide technical guidance and support to program staff and partners on mental health-related issues, including the development of program materials and training curricula.
• Partnership and external relations: Build and maintain relationships with implementing partners, KP organizations and other players in the field of mental health, including government agencies, NGOs and academic institutions. Participate in County based Mental health forums and events to represent LVCT Health and advance its mental health efforts.
• Knowledge Management and Learning: Manage and maintain a collection of documents and resources on mental health for the project, including guidelines, protocols, case studies, evaluation findings, best practices etc. Share knowledge, experiences and expertise with program staff and partners through the development of abstracts, Blogs, presentations, webinars, and other capacity-building opportunities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling /Psychology or Clinical Psychology from an accredited institution.
• Valid license to practice as a Counseling/ Clinical Psychologist in Kenya.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in clinical counselling, preferably in diverse settings.
• Experience and training in project management will be an added advantage

Competencies

• Proficiency in various therapeutic modalities and evidence-based interventions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and cultural competence skills.
• Awareness and understanding of the cultural nuances and sensitivities of key and vulnerable populations
• Well-versed in the psychosocial aspects of HIV/AIDS including prevention education risk reduction techniques and support for coping mechanisms.
• Knowledge and experience in substance abuse treatment interventions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional conduct.