Senior Counselor at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Principal Counselor, the position holder is responsible for ensuring that students are psycho-socially functional to undertake their academic and life tasks through the provision of Counseling/psychotherapy, psycho-education and HIV AIDS counseling and testing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual, couple and family counseling and psychotherapy to USIU-Africa community to enable them to manage their problems and optimally function so that they can meet their educational and life goals.
• Facilitate group counseling and or support groups to enhance learning and support from other students.
• Awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse, sexual and reproductive among others which include planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating and reporting on awareness programs and activities.
• Crisis intervention in the event of a crisis through the provision of defusing, debriefing, and trauma counseling either individually or in groups geared towards restoration of healthy psychological, cognitive and social functioning.
• Research, design, develop and disseminate information/educational and publicity materials (notice board campaigns, posters, brochures, e-mail messages) that create awareness, guide the prevention and management of emerging and contextual issues likely to impact negatively on students, e.g. HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse, stress, relationships among others and promote mental health.
• Strengthen students’ life skills through psycho-education, planning and facilitating training on life skills, consulting with various student groups, clubs and sports teams, and student leaders for the development of life skills and leadership skills.
• Networking: Maintain a wide range of mental health contacts to facilitate appropriate referrals for clients needing specialized treatment and care and consultation. Internally liaise with other sectors in the student affairs division, and the academic schools for effective referrals and consultations and send informative reports that enhance informed decision-making for referred students (disciplinary and academic probation or dismissal cases among others).
• Record keeping /database management- Prepare comprehensive professional clinical notes on client progress for ongoing care and reference.
• Reports: Prepare comprehensive semester counseling and events reports and forward them to the Head of Counseling for purposes of planning and decision-making.
• Attend regular continuing education and supervision with an external counselor supervisor to ensure and maintain the highest standards for professionalism and service delivery.
• Plan and organize for Peer Counselors and Educators training, train and supervise peer counselors and educators to enhance awareness of HIV/AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse among other issues in the community.
• Technology: be able to utilize available technology to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services, programs and publicity.
• Conduct needs and impact /client satisfaction surveys.

Educational/Professional Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Counseling/Clinical Psychology from a recognized educational institution.
• Professional Qualifications: Membership to a Professional regulatory body; NASCOP VCT certification.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• 5 years of practice which 3 should be under supervision.
• Showed merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Personal Attributes and Competencies

• Good communication skills.
• Cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Confidentiality and integrity.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and with proven ability to take instructions and execute.
• Self-motivated.
• Attention to detail.