About the Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking a compassionate, certified Counselor to provide emotional and psychological support to patients and their families. The successful candidate will specialize in grief counseling and will be skilled in helping couples and individuals navigate stressful, high-emotion situations, including those arising from medical diagnoses, loss, and family conflict within a healthcare setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling to patients and family members coping with grief, loss, or terminal diagnoses.
• Support couples and individuals experiencing relationship strain or emotional distress related to illness, hospitalization, or bereavement.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in coordination with medical staff, social workers, and chaplaincy where applicable.
• Conduct crisis intervention sessions for patients or families in acute emotional distress.
• Facilitate support groups for bereaved families and patients managing chronic or terminal conditions.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case notes and documentation in line with hospital policy and counseling ethics standards.
• Refer patients to additional psychiatric, medical, or social services as needed.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews and contribute a counseling perspective to patient care planning.
• Provide guidance and emotional support training to nursing and frontline staff handling sensitive patient interactions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Valid professional certification/license in counselling (recognized by the relevant Ugandan or regional counselling board).
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in a counselling role, with demonstrated experience in grief/bereavement counselling.
• Experience working with couples and/or individuals in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong understanding of grief stages, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a hospital or clinical healthcare setting.
• Training in family systems therapy or couples counselling.
• Familiarity with palliative or end-of-life care support.

Key Competencies

• Empathy and active listening
• Emotional resilience and self-regulation under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Cultural sensitivity and discretion
• Sound judgment in crisis and confidential situations