The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Psychological Counselor will be responsible for providing evidence based psychological interventions to refugees within IRC programs or who are referred by other actors through the established referral pathway system. There will be a focus on vulnerable populations, specifically, but not limited to suicide prevention, trauma counselling, gender-based violence, psychosocial protection and patients with psychiatric disorders. This position will also involve study writing and analysis of current MHPSS situational findings.

Key Responsibilities

Provide age-appropriate and culturally relevant individual and/or group psychological counselling to clients by assessing client’s needs and presenting complaints and develop a care plan with the client based on those needs, including referrals to other services.Implement internationally recognized standard methodologies for evidence based psychological interventions and the management of clients guided by the IRC Framework, IASC guidelines and counseling ethical guidelines. This includes upholding confidentiality of therapy sessions and respecting clients decisions.Support the client(s) coping process and mobilize their internal and external resources for processing acute adversity.Support in MHPSS based studies to help identify gaps and offer recommendations.Maintain an effective working relationship and regular communication with other primary health care workers.Maintain effective working relationships with relevant partners including referral organizations, community groups and other implementing partners (will be part of the MHPSS working group).Complete daily case reports and data collection according to procedures provided by the MHPSS Technical Advisor.Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Result Areas

Provide counselling services to beneficiaries and documentation of care plans Implement psychological interventions that recognized by the professional bodies and Ministry of HealthCommunicate and collaborate effectively with team member and external stakeholdersCompilations and reporting of data for mental health Ensure adherence to confidentiality and other IRC policies.Minimum Qualifications:Higher Diploma/Degree in counselling psychology.At least 2-3 years in field experience within a Humanitarian emergency setting in the same or similar positionKnowledge in conducting assessments, using screening tools and designing individual care plans for clients seeking mental health services.Experience in offering PFA is strongly desired.Knowledgeable on the Psychological testing and assessment toolsFamiliarity with IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings Knowledge of the WHO interventions like mhGAP, GPM+ or IP is desirable.Additional trainings or certifications on related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, critical incident stress management, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, trauma, etc. will also be consideredBe registered with KCPA.Proficiency in English and professional writing skills is a requirement.

Required Experience & Competencies:

Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well.Be a critical thinker and a problem solverPossess therapeutic core conditions and effective soft skills.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.