Program Senior Counselor - Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Program Director, the job holder will be responsible for the provision of quality psychosocial support to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa and also extending support to university wide students through the University Counseling Department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish a system to identify, track, and refer scholars with serious emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. Thus, acting as the focal point for all Scholars on Psychosocial support.
• Regular check-in with the scholars for early intervention on psychosocial issues. This is will be done through walk-ins, regular planned visits to scholars’ residents, and standby counseling support during pre-university orientation. Check-in reports will be expected every semester.
• Submit reports (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually) on how many Scholars are accessing counseling services and the impact of such services on their educational journey at USIU-Africa.
• Attend progress meetings with the Foundation to give reports on scholars' welfare regarding psychosocial support.
• Organize, conduct and prepare workshops and seminars on various psychosocial issues facing the scholars.
• Conduct research on psychosocial issues facing students in universities from low-income backgrounds that can be beneficial for the Scholars Program and the university as a whole.
• Organize sensitization campaigns for Scholars on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health.
• Research, design, develop and disseminate information/educational and publicity materials (notice board campaigns, posters, brochures, e-mail messages) that create awareness, guide the prevention and management of emerging and contextual issues likely to impact negatively on students, e.g. HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse, stress, relationships among others and promote mental health
• Work with the Scholar support office to identify students who have academic challenges (lower GPA than required) to develop realistic academic performance improvement plans to help the Program minimize academic dismissals and dropouts to enable the realization of on-time graduation for Scholars. The Program attrition rate is at 2%, targeted psychosocial support and early intervention will greatly support the achievement of this target.
• Maintain a wide range of mental health contacts to facilitate appropriate referrals for Scholars needing specialized treatment, care and consultation. Internally liaise with other sectors in the Academic and student affairs division, and the academic schools for effective referrals and consultations and send informative reports that enhance informed decision-making for referred students (disciplinary and academic probation or dismissal cases among others).
• Strengthen Scholars’ life skills through psycho-education, planning and facilitating training on life skills, consulting with various student groups, clubs and sports teams, and student leaders for the development of life skills and leadership skills.
• Attend regular continuing education, case conferences and supervision with an external counselor supervisor to ensure and maintain the highest standards for professionalism and service delivery.
• Handle walk-in counseling requests and emergencies from scholars and the university at large.
• Conduct needs and impact /client satisfaction surveys.
• Performs additional job-related duties and responsibilities to the scholars' program and wider university fraternity as requested.

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Educational qualifications: bachelor’s degree in psychology from a recognized educational institution.
• Master’s degree in counselling/Clinical Psychology will be an added advantage.
• Professional Qualifications: Membership to a Professional Association nationally and internationally; NASCOP VCT certification for HIV Testing.

Minimum years of experience

• 5 years of practice, of which 3 should be under supervision.

Competencies

• A service orientation with an eye-to-use experience.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to make quick and smart judgments in recommending alternative solutions within changed ground scenarios.
• Strong adherence to ethical practice, data privacy, and confidentiality.
• Strong intercultural and interpersonal skills.
• Goal oriented, with the ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision.
• Knowledge about youth current trends.
• Administer, score, interpret, and disseminate psychological, psychometric and research findings.
• Ability to remain nonjudgmental while offering psychosocial support without prejudice.
• Research and Analytical skills.
• Report writing skills.