JOB DETAILS:

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide detailed and informative assessments for mental health difficulties at individual, family and group levels.
• Take lead in ensuring quality case management procedures for MHPSS cases using psychometric tests, interviews and methods that provide anecdotal evidence.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the psychosocial counselors and entire MHPSS team at field level.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside the entire protection team in the settlement and that specific to ALIGHT.
• Develop and monitor appropriate treatment programs, including therapy, counselling or advice, in collaboration with other sectors such as protection.
• Spear head the development of IEC materials on MHPSS
• Lead the psychosocial team on the standardization of major operating procedures and ensure adherence to the same.
• Provide technical backstopping to GBV and MHPSS workers in mental health aspects through case discussions, in-house trainings and feedback sessions.
• Take lead in ensuring proper data in relation to MHPSS is collected, evaluated and reported to offer a significant representation by creating and updating/maintaining a database on the same.
• Ensure that client details are properly documented and safely stored under key and lock
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for MHPSS to ensure quality compliance.
• Spearhead the integration of MHPSS in sectors such as child protection, WASH, GBV, Health, Community services and legal.
• Invest in creation, support and maintenance of both therapy and support groups in the community whilst adhering to the 10 week treatment protocol.
• Ensure the development of a standardized training tool on Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Implementing partners and grass root structures including ALIGHT protection and MHPSS staff.
• Refer clients to respective specialists for consultation and appropriate intervention by way of proper documentation and follow up.
• Participate in designing community based engagements for awareness, sensitization and dialoguing on MHPPSS issues.
• Ensure participation in the development and timely submission of weekly, monthly and quarterly reports.
• Work as part of a Multi-disciplinary team to offer comprehensive support to PoCs in the settlement by exploiting opportunities for advocacy.
• Engage in continuous career refreshment and keep abreast with current affairs in MHPSS. Follow ALIGHT`s Continuous Learning Program at field level each week.
• Represent ALIGHT at different foras as deemed necessary including protection and Coordination meetings.
• Adhere to the ethical and professional code of conduct governing Clinical Psychologists.
• Assist in designing the MHPSS prevention and response strategy for the ALIGHT Uganda program and support its implementation.
• In collaboration with other sectors/partners, assist in conducting needs assessments, identifying new program opportunities and supporting emergency projects
• Assist with the coordination and the development of new proposals and initiatives
• Maintain ongoing relations with MHPSS and other sector actors such as donors, bilateral and multilateral coordination bodies, research organizations and academics, and relevant government institutions.
• Ensure timely identification of personal and occupational stressors and design a self-care strategy with consideration for external support as need arises.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Clinical Psychology.
• A Masters Degree is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in diagnosis and treating mental, emotional and behavioural conditions.
• Previous experience in trauma-based therapy specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Exposure Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Expressive arts and sand tray therapy.
• Knowledge and experience in Gender Based Violence case management is essential.
• A strong understanding of the profession and the role of a clinical psychologist in Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and its dynamics in humanitarian settings.
• Prior experience working at the community level, with thorough understanding of how to precisely communicate MHPSS issues at local level with cultural considerations.
• Fluency in Swahili and ability to ride with a valid license (Class A) is an added advantage.

behavioural competences:

• Strong leadership skills yet with ability to work individually and within a team.
• Ability to speak
• Proficiency in MS computer packages, word, excel, PowerPoint and access
• Good presentation/facilitation skills
• Credible and empathetic persona.
• Critical and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct accurate assessments and offer evidence-based psycho-education
• Willingness to travel throughout communities and work in a participatory manner with a variety of populations.
• Strong knowledge of the local population and language.
• Good listener, open-minded, non-judgmental, and sensitive to the needs and situation of GBV survivors and able to respect the survivors’ right to confidentiality.
• Ability to handle stressful working conditions with limited supervision.
• Ability to ride with a valid riding permit