Locum Counsellor (DSU)

Population Solutions for Health is a leading global health organization with programs targeting HIV and reproductive health, malaria and child survival. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behaviour change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

Job Description

The individual will be responsible for providing psychosocial support and linkage to care for people with drug and substance use problems and support them to develop and adopt harm reduction and recovery strategies. The individual will be the first point of contact between PSH, and clients engaged through the PSH Toll Free, digital media platforms, and those identified from community outreach ensuring that each client receives timeous quality person-centred care.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts clinical assessments of recipients of care through detailed history taking to determine counselling and treatment requirements as well as any underlying mental health conditions or social factors contributing to drug, and substance use challenges.
• Develops person-cantered treatment plans based on each recipient of care’s needs, goals, and assessment results.
• Provides individual, group, and family counselling sessions to address recipients of care substance use issues, mental health concerns, and related challenges.
• Assists recipients of care and caregivers in developing relapse prevention strategies, including identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and building a support network.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of recipient of care progress, including session notes, treatment plans, and assessments. Participate in case presentations for continuous quality improvement in the management of recipients of care.
• Facilitates referrals and linkage to care for recipients of care deemed to need further support from rehabilitation centres and/or sexual reproductive health services.
• Supports recipients of care and care givers with knowledge on the negative effects of substance use and its linkages with sexual reproductive health, mental health and gender-based violence.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Counselling, Nursing or Social Sciences.
• Certification and demonstrated expertise in psychosocial support in the field of drug and substance use
• Minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in providing counseling services to individuals with substance use challenges.
• Strong understanding of substance use, addiction, and recovery processes. Familiarity with evidence-based treatment modalities and therapeutic techniques
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to establish rapport and build trust with clients. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Familiarity with GBV, HIV & SRHR programming is an added advantage.
• Commitment to ethical principles and professional standards. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.