Counsellor Educator at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Purpose

• Perform counselling and/or education sessions to patients, following different medical and mental health MSF protocols and procedures, to improve their psychosocial condition

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

• Actively promote the availability of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services within the community as part of a multidisciplinary approach to caring for survivors of sexual violence.
• In collaboration with the Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) at the Primary Health Care Center (PHC), identify key community members in the catchment area and organize activities to raise awareness about various topics related to mental health care and sexual violence
• Identify and refer community members who are survivors of sexual violence to MSF’s multidisciplinary care at the PHC, respecting the principle of confidentiality and minimizing revictimization.
• In collaboration with other MSF staff members, carry out psychosocial activities that promote community participation in emotional well-being and minimize the impact on mental health resulting from sexual violence and other types of violence against children, adolescents, and adults.
• Conduct basic group counseling sessions (PM+ / IPT) for patients and their families to help strengthen coping mechanisms for problem-solving.
• Conduct PFA and individual counseling sessions only when necessary and when the psychologist is unavailable.
• Maintain records and statistics on MHPSS activities in the community. Report any issues that arise during daily activities to the immediate supervisor.
• Support the implementation of training, supervision, and technical reinforcement for community members, PHC staff, and other partners as needed.
• Actively participate in clinical case discussions and supervision sessions with the MHAM.

Minimum Required Skills and Qualifications
Education:
Essential:

• ND, HND, Bachelor’s Degree / Diplomas in Counselling, social work, psychology, and other relevant Field) and/or all recognise MSF Trainings in the assigned Area.

Experience:

• Essential: 2 year experience in community essential.
• Desirable: Previous experience with MSF or other NGO in a developing-country context is an added advantage.

Languages:

• Igbo and English Language essential.