RefuSHE – Senior Psycho-Social Counsellor (Consultant).

Contract Duration: Six months

Department: Programs

Supervisor: Associate Director-Safe House & Case Management

Direct Reports: None but work closely with Psycho-social Counsellors and Case Workers

Position Summary

The overall purpose of the counselling services at RefuSHE is to facilitate the adoption of trauma informed care program, analyze the current Counsellors and other Case Workers on effective programs and approaches that can strengthen the safe house and case management team. S/he will carry out, individual and/or group counselling, basic psycho-educational sessions to RefuSHE beneficiaries to alleviate their psychosocial difficulties or prevent the occurrence. S/he will ensure records are kept properly and that the principle of confidentiality is adhered to. S/he will submit a truthful and final report with the analysis and conclusions while still protecting participants. S/he will inform the supervisor, Director of Programs and Executive Director of any pressing issues that are non-confidential, and which may arise during the sessions.

Key Aims and Objectives:

• Provide leadership and strategic development to enable the counselling team to offer high quality counselling services to the beneficiaries.
• Improve the team’s competency in handling young people who have undergone traumatic situations including war; and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
• Review and develop strategies, Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and technical guidelines within the counselling unit.
• Support the team to effectively identify and deal with burn out and vicarious trauma.
• Carry caseloads and provide counselling service within an ethical framework; and organize caseloads and maintain records using the available effective record keeping system.
• Use of innovative and virtual environment technology in counselling to change the face of the service, either being challenged and excited by the new opportunities it presents or feeling skeptical, overwhelmed or frightened by an unwelcome intrusion into traditional methods of providing counselling services.
• Train and educate staff on counselling and trauma issues by enriching on topical issues and improvement in learning within the Girls Empowerment Program curriculum and ensure capacity building of Case Workers with a focus on transferring key skills.
• Develop and deliver a long-term capacity building approach to strengthen existing services and develop new services in line with current labour market needs to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of delivery of counselling services.
• Supervise other Counsellors and Case Workers by ensuring regular appraisals and provide mentoring to encourage individual development; and assess suitability of Counsellors. Analysis the Case Workers technical performance, including the needs for further capacity development.
• Analyze the counselling services to the beneficiaries offered by the organization in line with the national and network guidelines and current research to ensure the best service is available within the current resources.
• Manage caseloads as appropriate, assess referrals and place caseloads appropriately with Counsellors or alternative resources.
• Enhance Counsellor’s professionalism by ensuring that they practice in an evidence-based manner and that they maintain their own personal professional development in line with professional guidelines and ethics.
• Advise on policy and procedure within counselling services within the organization, update and audit as required, if needed audit and research as appropriate.
• Participate in business planning and setting objectives for the counselling services.
• Contribute and take part in any quality measuring systems that may be put in place regarding the area of expertise.
• Comply and adhere to organization’s policies and procedures as well as confidentiality policy.
• Identify trends in conditions/standards and donor priorities relevant to counselling services outcomes and objectives.
• Carry out an in-depth assessment of group needs and identify methodologies to address them through a holistic approach.
• Make recommendations to enhance program and services quality in close context collaboration with Senior Management Team.
• Strengthen effective communication, problem solving skills and conflict resolution.
• Undertake secondary referrals to other psycho-social providers.
• Provide extensive and comprehensive programmes and assessments for stress management, depression, anxiety, bipolar management, and other mental illnesses.
• Perform any other lawful duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in counselling/clinical psychology from a recognized institution.
• Over 8 years’ experience in counselling, training, and counseling supervision
• Experience in working with refugees, conflict and post-conflict communities is an added advantage.
• Active member of a recognized professional body is a must
• Ability to remain flexible in a dynamic environment.

How to Apply