Counsellor (Mental Health & Psychosocial Support) at Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (Caritas Nigeria)

Location: Tarkum

About the Job:

He/She will coordinate with the SGBV, CaseWorkers and Child Protection officers in responding to the mental health and psychosocial needs of survivors and support community sensitization effort that prevent and respond to all forms of Child Abuse & SGBV. The Counselor assesses and plans response mechanism that meet the needs of adults and children who are affected.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial psychosocial counselling with survivors to assess survivors needs and treat survivors with respect, care and always maintain confidentiality
• In collaboration with Protection Staff, identify psychosocial needs of survivors and share information with Project Coordinator / Field Manager so as to support survivors to meet their needs
• Work with Caseworkers, SGBV and Child Protection Leads to ensure that survivors’ cases are followed-up and survivors’ decisions and best interest are prioritized for effective service delivery
• Provide psychological support (one on one or group counselling) to the project target group according to international principles and policies or other relevant methodologies.
• Assist in the development and provision of psychosocial activities within the program scope.
• Undertake the social investigation about each individual child case and ensure that all related information is collected properly through reliable sources.
• Conduct training for community on psychological child development, parenting skills, etc.
• Supervise and provide counselling training and technical counselling support to social workers, child friendly space facilitators directly involved with the psychosocial component of program.
• Ensure timely implementation of psychosocial program activities.
• Lead awareness-raising and/or sensitization campaigns through psychosocial activities in collaboration with the Case Workers.
• Lead the team of social workers in the development of outreach plans based on case trends and children’s needs.
• Secondary referrals to other psychosocial providers
• Develop and monitor a case management system for monitoring of referred cases
• Compile counselling weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on the referred cases and provide best solutions to cases.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties within the overall function of the job deemed necessary or as requested by line manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in psychology or counselling with two (2) years relevant working experience
• Knowledge on how to carry out one or two craft activities will be an added advantage
• Counselling skills, including experience working with women and girls preferred

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients at all times is essential.
• Professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, is required.
• Excellent listening and observation skills, including ability to create trust, support, respect and interact with survivors of all ages, background and diversity
• Knowledge of Kanuri and Hausa language is an advantage for the Northeast
• Clear understanding, including demonstrated positive attitudes on gender inequality, and issues surrounding violence against women and girls STRONGLY preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues affecting women and girls, including gender based violence
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients at all times is essential.
• Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports is required

Other Skills

• Proven team player
• Able to work effectively with minimum supervision and in a diverse team environment
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to think tactically
• Good motivator of others
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times