Operational Context/Role
• Reporting to the Psychosocial Counsellor, the CYF Counsellor will be responsible to provide a range of specialist intervention and support to children, young people and families through individual and group counselling.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Specific
• Provide case management of a specialized caseload, as appropriate to the requirements of the individual position; performs research and case assessments; prepares individualized studies for admission, placement, and/or discharge, as applicable.
• Conduct a risk assessment for clients accessing counseling services and ensure appropriate follow- up mechanism
• Monitor ongoing care plan implementation in relation to a CYF’s counseling needs, with special attention to identifying risk issues and communicating these issues to the line manager
• Provide guidance and strategies to reduce risk and promote wellbeing
• Ensure the people of concern have access to legal and fair hearings in court through court follow- ups, prison monitoring and border monitoring.
• Provide counselling, to clients and families as appropriate to the position with the aim to improve the social and emotional functioning of children, youth and their families, maximizing overall community well-being.
• Produce analytical reports of mental and psychosocial health status of children, youth and family related trends and issues on a monthly and ad hoc basis, ensuring holistic approach to clients
• Provide training to staff as requested on good communication skills, identification, and referral to counseling services, Psychological First Aid, and any other topics as needed.
• Ensure that children, youth and families access the required support to aid coping and mental wellbeing through referrals and other mechanisms.
Accompany Serve Advocate
• Apply the mental health and psychosocial support guidelines, Minimum standards in Humanitarian Action and Child Protection strategy, Convention on the Rights of children, National Law and applicable IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
• Refer refugee and vulnerable host community children and youth for specialized and appropriate interventions to enhance emotional wellbeing of children and youth.
• Provide follow up to children, youth with psychosocial challenges and their families to enhance community support structure. Consider the importance of family dynamics on counseling and where possible engage the family in counseling sessions. Conduct caregiver/parenting skills training where appropriate
• Conduct awareness activities and engage with the wider community on promoting emotional wellbeing and positive mental health support of other staff
• Support management of child friendly spaces within JRS premises and at the refugee access centers in the community.
• Undertake any other duty assigned by the supervisor from time to time. Duty of Care and Legislative Requirements
• Maintain confidentiality and duty of care, including identification and assessment of domestic and family violence, child safety concerns, threat of harm to self or others, and other risk factors; and take appropriate steps as required by organizational policy and procedure.
• Understand and meet legislative and funding requirements including collecting and recording statistical data in a timely and accurate manner
File Management
• Maintain client files, case notes and risk management documentation as per organizational policy and procedure.
• Maintain the client information system to enable effective and informed client bookings.
• Remain up to date with reporting outcomes for clients as needed. Administration and Planning
• Where directed, assist with the provision of administrative and general office duties.
• Support in drafting the monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Contribute to operational needs, as requested by the Supervisor. The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education
• University Degree in Counselling, Social work, psychology, Social Sciences or equivalent to the position.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar position
• Demonstrated experience in engaging proactively with and supporting clients of diverse backgrounds (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, low socioeconomic status, people with disabilities and people of diverse bodies, genders and sexualities).
• A theoretical understanding of child development and associated issues as well as knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence, and an understanding of domestic violence and child protection legislation and family law.
• Applied knowledge of systems theory when working with families.
Accompany Serve Advocate
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 required.
• Professional attitude and appearance, and ability to multitask.
• Ability to adapt and handle emergency situations in a timely, calm and effective manner.
• Previous experience with a faith-based NGO is a significant asset.
• Child, youth and family care experience.
• Relationship management.
• Time management.
• Communication skills.
• Caring and nurturing personality.
• Familiarity with and/ or interest in Refugee Law, Human Rights Law and International Law or related areas. Preference will be given to those familiar with refugee protection and mixed migration flows and/or internal displacement.
• Demonstrated writing, reporting and presentation skills in English. Knowledge of another language is an asset.
• Ability to conduct functions on computer programs such as Microsoft Office 365 (including Excel, Power point, Access).
• Good understanding of the current political, human rights, migration context in Uganda, particularly in the horn of Africa influx.
• Experience from the region will be regarded as an asset.
• Good knowledge of institutional mandates and policies related to international protection, human rights and migration.
• Good analytical and research skills, ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating a gender perspective and ensuring the equal participation.
Languages
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Knowledge in French, Kiswahili and/or Arabic desirable.
Required Skills and Competencies
• Very good pastoral sense, listening abilities and inter-personal skills. Good understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international development.
• High degree of discretion, tact and confidentiality in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in international settings and with various departments to implement successful approaches in Human Resources.
• A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability.
• An energetic team player who can effectively collaborate, and who can stand alone when necessary.
• Demonstrate ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Good computer skills, including competence in Excel and familiarity with other databases.
• Good organizational skills and ability to perform multifaceted tasks in addition to day-to-day activities.
Accompany Serve Advocate
• Good analytical skills and sound judgement.
• Successful experience in multicultural and challenging environments.
• Willingness to work and travel to refugee settings in challenging environments.
Required Core values
• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS.
• Neutrality, confidentiality and sensitivity in dealing with HR matters.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
• Written application explaining why you are interested in the above position and how you meet the qualities and qualification criteria.
• Attach a CV with maximum 2 pages. The CV should contain information about your qualifications, relevant trainings, work experience, names and contact details of two (2) relevant referees.
• Applications should be sent online to Jesuit Refugee Service Uganda at uga.hr@jrs.net
Note: JRS has a Child Safeguarding (CS) Policy in place and expects all staff to read, sign and adhere to it.
Deadline: 26.09.2022
No late applications will be considered – Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted