CVT Psychosocial Counsellor Job in Kenya

Psychosocial Counsellor (PSC)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: December 2012 – November 2013 (annual contract, renewable up to three years)
Reports to: Psychotherapist/ Trainer

General Program Description

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is an international non-governmental organization based in Minneapolis, USA. Founded in 1985, CVT was one of the first organizations in the US dedicated to providing care and rehabilitative services to survivors of politically motivated violence and torture, earning international recognition as a provider of psychosocial training and direct services. Since then CVT has worked in Guinea, DRC, Sierra Leone and Jordan. 

The goal of CVT is to heal the wounds of persons affected by torture and to stop torture worldwide.

CVT Kenya

CVT has been working in Dadaab refugee camp since 2011. In December 2012, CVT will begin a new program in Nairobi, focused on addressing the mental health needs of survivors of torture, violent conflict, and SGBV among urban refugee communities. 

CVT is committed to creating a Center of Excellence for refugee mental health, and is looking for highly motivated, creative, and compassionate staff members who are dedicated to ensuring that models of best practice are utilized. 

Staff members must be open to learning, empathetic, and able to work in a non-discriminatory manner.

CVT Kenya is inviting applications from suitably qualified Kenyans for this full-time position.

Job description:

• Provide comprehensive psychosocial counseling to clients who have experienced war trauma, torture or SGBV
• Provide assessment, individual and group counseling sessions as assigned by the psychotherapist trainer.
• Complete quarterly reports, progress notes, and treatment plans on time
• Sensitize, problem solve, dialogue and mediate with the wider population about issues of war, torture, trauma and SGBV
• Become proficient with CVT’s data collection tools and conduct and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate matter
• Work closely with the database staff to ensure quality reporting
• Ensure all work with clients is confidential and that ethical practices are observed
• Assist in the designing, planning, implementing and facilitating of external trainings for numerous target groups
• Develop new and strengthen existing referral systems with other organizations
• Liaise with other stakeholders and partner organizations
• Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions
• Attend all PSC trainings given by CVT
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the psychotherapist/trainer

Staff Requirements:

Essential

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Fluent in English and Swahili, written and spoken
• Significant experience in providing psychosocial counseling and working with refugees
• Experience in working with war/ refugee trauma
• Knowledge of local area (Nairobi) and community structures
• Good team player; able to take direction and work collaboratively with others
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening
• Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners
• Strong administrative skills
• Able to complete required reporting and documentation by deadlines
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Able to work independently; self-motivated
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work in a challenging urban environment
• Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all

Desirable

• Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or related field
• Fluency in additional refugee language(s): Kirundi, French, Kinyarwanda, Somali, Oromo, Gambela, etc.
• Experience facilitating psychosocial groups/ group therapy
• Experience working with children and adolescents
• Good computer skills

How to Apply:

Please write a letter of application stating clearly what motivates you to apply for the above position and how your qualifications and experience are relevant to the post. 

Include a copy of your CV, copies of any other relevant documents, and the names of three references, one of whom should know you as a counselor. 

Do not send original documents as these will not be returned to you.

At the end of your letter of application, please include the statement: “I certify that the information included in this application is true and correct.” 

Sign this declaration and put the date beside your signature. Submitting false information will result in your application to be disqualified.

Applications should be submitted electronically to: cvtjobs@gmail.com

Please mark to: ‘’The Attention of Psychotherapist/ Trainer.’’
Applications must be received by 3pm on Friday 30th November 2012.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Qualified female and candidates from refugee communities are encouraged to apply.