Psychosocial Counsellor at Kenya Red Cross Society

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordinator. The position will assess and provide comprehensive psychological treatment including but not limited to individual and group therapy with adults and children who are survivors of torture. The Psychosocial Counselor to work with refugee population who have suffered torture and war trauma across Ifo/Ifo 2/Dagahaley

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive psychosocial counseling, Psychoeducation and PFA (Psychological First Aid) to address the mental health needs of refugees,POCs at Ifo/Ifo 2/Dagahaley and the Host Community.
• Provide assessment, individual and group counseling, therapy to clients and families as appropriate and prepare treatment plans and follow up care programs
• Provide therapeutic crisis intervention and emergency services as required to staff, refugees, POCS and the Host community
• Provide comprehensive psycho education at school level targeting the students and the teachers
• Sensitize, problem solve, dialogue and mediate with the wider population about issues of war, torture, trauma and SGBV
• Become proficient with Kenya Red Cross Society data collection tools and conduct and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate matter
• Work closely with the database staff to ensure quality reporting
• Participate in routine departmental work plan reviews and prepare relevant activity reports on MHPSS activities
• Conducting awareness programs for communities through sensitization and outreaches across Ifo/Ifo 2/Dagahaley
• Ensure all work with clients is confidential and that ethical practices are observed
• Compile weekly, monthly and quarterly counselling reports including analysis of behavioral trends and patterns and identified solutions across Ifo/Ifo2/Dagahaley
• Assist in the designing, planning, implementing and facilitating of external trainings for numerous target groups
• Develop new and strengthen existing referral systems internally and to partner organizations as appropriate
• Liaise with other stakeholders and partner organizations as appropriate
• Engage in self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions
• Attend all PSC trainings offered by Kenya Red Cross Society
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma/ Degree in Psychology, Counselling or 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.
• Ability to apply mental health counseling methods and techniques
• 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.
• Experience with gender-based violence highly desirable.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary/multi-disciplinary team desirable.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and needs.
• Skilled at working as a member of a team.
• Working knowledge of English and Swahili
• Knowledge of local dialect is desirable.
• Experience in working as a counsellor or ability to be an empathetic counsellor.
• Experience working in local and regional contexts and knowledge of local area and community structures desirable.
• Able to work in a stressful environment refugee camp environment i.e Ifo/Ifo2/Dagahaley
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word and Excel)
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills
• Excellent skills in organization, attention to detail and time management (including the ability to meet deadlines) Interest in or commitment to human rights