Lay Counsellor with a Specialty in Expressive Therapy at Neem Foundation

The organization is seeking a qualified and experienced Lay counsellor with a speciality in Expressive Therapy, with particular experience in Art Therapy and Play Therapy. The selected candidate is to provide a program of specialized therapeutic activities to an assigned group of beneficiaries for the purpose of effecting improvements in their physical, emotional and social well-being.

Roles

Assumes direct responsibility for the welfare of all assigned beneficiaries

Organizes and conducts therapeutic activities such as dance, music, arts, crafts, social activities, trips, group discussions and special programs in accordance with beneficiaries' needs, capabilities and interests.

Job Functions: 

• Provide a basic range of expressive therapeutic services to clients.

• Consults with other professionals, regarding the evaluation and treatment of clients.

• Provides psychological assessment, testing and evaluation, referral and consultation.
• Provide programme planning, counselling/education, prevention service/activities, individuals and couples through expressive therapy.

• Interact with clients to provide assessment, testing, diagnosis treatment, case management, follow up and treatment planning, with physicians to provide consultation.

• Collaborate and cooperate in a professional manner with co-workers, other departments and other agencies in order to assure effective continuity of care and services.
• Prepare and maintain mental health notes and narrative reports of mental health activities (in the appropriate charting format).
• Maintain clients’ records, as part of the Medical records system and follow policies of records and maintenance of client confidentiality.
• Observe strict confidentiality and privacy of clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:
A first degree in guidance and counselling or a related field. A Masters degree in psychology, social sciences, development studies, art therapy and play therapy is an added advantage.

Job Requirements:

• Previous training or experience with art therapy and play therapy is an added advantage.

• Previous training or experience with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an added advantage.

• Previous training or experience with local expressive therapeutic techniques in the Northeast (e.g., dance, music, etc.)

• Professional, expert knowledge of psychological theories, principles.
• Able to participate in evaluation, diagnosis, individual, group and family psychotherapy, crisis intervention, consultation, prevention and research such as would be obtained in a doctoral programme in psychology and in a clinical internship practice.
• Ability to communicate with children of all ages.
• High degree of skill in the psychological assessment and evaluation of people.

Language Skills: 
English Language (Fluent) and Basic understanding of Hausa language. Proficiency in Kanuri is an added advantage.

Others:
Must have strong interest in clinical psychology; working with children, helping people rebuild  their lives and work towards the development of Borno State.

Profile of Behaviour:
Confident, attention to detail, independent judgment, self-starter, reliable, team-player, friendly, flexible, disciplined, adaptable, numerate

Added Advantage:

• Practical experience working with victims/ survivors of insurgency.

• Academic or work experience in Psychology
• Hausa speaker
• Kanuri speaker

Previous knowledge of gender-based violence