Lay Mental Health, Counsellor

at  Interactive Research Development IRD

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Code

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA)

Required Qualification

• Matric Certificate and/or Diploma in respective domain.
• Studying towards a qualification in mental health (would be advantageous).

Required Experience

• 1-2 years working experience as a lay counsellor in mental health.

Required Skills

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to speak/understand the local language spoken in the community, i.e. Isizulu.
• Experience with MS Office.
• Experience of field work.
• Ability and willingness to travel to ECD facilities.

JOB PURPOSE

The incumbent will be responsible for delivering front-line mental health services in communities around Ward 5 of the Umzumbe area. This includes providing mental health screening using approved tools, lay counselling to those at-risk opting for services (including community members, caregivers, and early childhood development workforce members), and conducting awareness-raising activities for demand generation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct screening for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress at both facility and community levels.
• Provide individual lay counselling and support to those meeting the criteria for project inclusion.
• Maintain excellent records and privacy of client treatment progress.
• Establish a safe environment for people to discuss their personal issues.
• MH counselling services provided through phone or on-site (playhouse, CPF, or other approved site) counsellingonly.
• Carry out diligent programmatic data collection as required by the project.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patients, conversations, referrals etc.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities with support from the Lay Mental Health Lead and Registered Psychological Counsellor(s).
• Attend regular staff meetings, capacity-building and mentoring sessions, and other program activities (such as events,launches, open houses, etc.).