Psychosocial Counselor (Hagadera) at International Rescue Committee

Job Description

Working under the guidance and supervision of the Mental health officer, the MH Psychosocial Counselor is directly responsible for the provision of Psychosocial services and assist individuals, groups, and communities in Hagadera refugee camp suffering from the effects of mental disorders, torture and war trauma in order to reduce their suffering, rehabilitate and enable them to rebuilt their lives and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with site team and under the supervision of the mental health officer include and are not limited to:
• Co-ordination and supervision of the Hagadera refugee camp integrated community based mental health/Psychosocial (MHPSS) charged with the assessment of, appropriate Psychosocial needs/interventions, and referrals of individuals in the camp/local community for other services.
• Facilitate group counseling sessions with clients including selection of group members, planning the group process & group facilitation.
• Ensure that all required documentation is completed in a timely and in a professional manner.
• Provide comprehensive psychosocial counseling & Psychological First Aid (PFA) to address the mental health needs of the refugees and host community
• Render psychosocial services to individuals, group and communities to assist them recover from the effects of torture & war trauma.
• Develop, plan and facilitate trainings for the refugee mental health dept. staff, CHW’S, community leaders, religious leaders, support groups, Teachers, paraprofessional counselors, other stake holders and do community awareness campaigns.  
• Preparation and compiling of quality department psychosocial work plans, weekly and monthly HIS reports.
• Plan and coordinate psychotherapy groups at the two Health posts and main hospital clinic mental health clinics.
• Create an appropriate networking system with other and or relevant implementing partners, line ministries, hospital departments and community stake holders through referrals and advocacy.
• Ensure that all work with clients is kept confidential and that ethical practices are observed at all times.
• Oversee and conduct psychosocial assessments & plan individual case management of patients on follow up at the mental health department & ensure case management goals are properly achieved.
• Provide comprehensive psychosocial support to survivors of war trauma and torture who have sought assistance.
• Design and initiate appropriate psychosocial treatment plans for war trauma and torture survivors suffering from PTSD through individual or small group psychotherapeutic sessions and supervise, as necessary.    
• Provide mentorship of the mental health assistants working in the MH department through continuous education, guidance, supervision, and support.
• Design mental health trainings for the mental health workers and other stake holders.
• Take charge of the mental health department when the mental health officer is away from office.
• Sensitize, problem solve, dialogue and mediate with the wider population in the camp about their psychosocial issues in order to raise understanding, develop coping strategies and encourage those who need psychosocial services to approach mental health team.
• Develop referral pathways and systems, and encourage collaboration between local partners, leaders, CBOS, INGOS & Government ministries.
• Attend inter-agency meetings to improve service delivery to our clients/groups and access opportunities to show case what IRC is doing in the camp.
• Assist with any other related activities/duties as deemed by the supervisor

Key result areas

• Improvement in overall quality of MHPSS care for all the patients/ Clients in Hagadera refugee camp.

Qualifications

• 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
• Flexibility and adaptability to the changing environment
• Skilled at working as a team member
• Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and needs
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Word & Excel)
• Able to work in a stressful refugee environment