Vacancy title:
Psychosocial Support Officer
Jobs at:
Tinada Youth Organization (TiYO)Deadline of this Job:
30 April 2020
Summary
Date Posted: Friday, April 24, 2020 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed
JOB DETAILS:
Background Information
TINADA Youth Organization (TiYO) continues to support evidenced based interventions aimed at addressing the needs of Mental health services, ending stigma and Discrimination among people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities and advocacy on mental health Financing and Rights within Western Kenya. TiYO has been implementing her programs in collaboration with Communities, CSOs, conventional and non-conventional healers, County and National Government, private sectors and relevant stakeholders with support from; Open Society Initiatives for Eastern Africa, On The Move Ev, Access to Medicine Platform and VOICE (executed by a consortium between HIVOS and Oxfam).
Mental Health conditions and psychological disorders are a significant concern and contributors to the public health burden in Kenya. The stigma associated to mental illness has caused many people to suffer in silence. Less attention has been taken to tackle stigma and discrimination and to enhance access to quality mental health awareness and services in line with human rights approaches for people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.
Mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities impede the achievement of other health and development outcomes and exacerbates to poverty; placing economic and social burdens on an individual, their family, the community and society at large. Preventing and Treating mental disorders is affordable and cost effective when integrated into primary care , complemented by secondary care; and linked to informal community-based services and self-care. Reducing the treatment gap for mental health means that more families will be able to lead healthy, productive lives; a significant step towards overcoming social inequalities in the targeted counties and Kenya as a whole.
TINADA implements Mental Health Financing and Rights Advocacy Project with focus to Community based Mental Health prevention and care, Mental Health Financing and Rights advocacy in collaboration with Communities, CSOs and GoK (align ministries / departments) within Kisumu, Vihiga, Kakamenga and Bungoma Counties with funding from The Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa of the Open Society Foundation.
Currently, TINADA received additional funding Commitment and in the initial stages of rolling out an Integrated mental health intervention “Imarisha Mental Health Integrated Initiative” targeting Kisumu County. This is a three and half year project with funding from Comic Relief (The funding is co-funded by a partnership between Comic Relief and the UK Government Development for International Development through UK Aid). The project aimed at; 1) Ending stigma and discrimination, 2) Strengthening Systems for Mental Health and wellbeing in Kenya and 3) Enhancing partnerships and capacity building to ensure rights of people with mental health and psychosocial disabilities are respected & receive quality Health services within Kisumu County.
Job Summary
Responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of psychological support services including other mental health care services including counseling, rehabilitation, referrals and follow ups. He/She will undertake assessment, monitoring, planning, advocacy and linking of the beneficiaries with rehabilitation and support services .
Specific Roles / responsibilities
• Coordinate and provide care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and client-centered
• Handle case assignments, draft service plans, review case progress and determine case closure
• Help patients make informed decisions by acting as their advocate regarding their clinical status and treatment options and help them achieve wellness and autonomy
• Take extra mile and interact with patients to keep track of their progress and satisfaction
• Record cases information, complete accurately all necessary forms and produce statistical reports
• Provision of mental health education and awareness sessions to reduce community stigma
• Educate beneficiaries about stress, anxiety, depression, trauma-related mental health issues etc.,
• Provide mental health screening for patients with mild and complex mental illness and refer to appropriate care facilities as needed for assessment and treatment.
• Follow up and continue support as appropriate in coordination with other specialists including psychologists, psychiatrists, medical officers, clinical officer, nurses, CHVs etc.
• Set up and coordinate support groups and Mental Health Clubs in Schools and community
• Train and supervise community volunteers as PSS peer group facilitators.
• Maintain detailed and accurate clients notes to ensure good continuity of care and follow up.
• Screen beneficiaries with validated screening scales to measure coping and well-being.
• Train staff, stakeholders and community on mental health issues and/or counselling skills
• Carry out assessments to identify mental health and psychosocial support needs in the communities in which TiYO operates and recommend suitable interventions based on outcomes.
• Train or Create awareness amongst staff, community, health care team and other stakeholders on Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and the importance of self-care
Job Skills: Not Specified
Requirement and Qualifications
• Minimum bachelor degree in counselling, counselling psychology, psychology, social work or a related field from a recognized university
• Applicants who have certificate, diploma or higher diploma in PSS, mental health preferred
• Experience in the use of community based approaches for the management of psychosocial and mental health issues
• Experience in application of innovative/creative and evidence based psychosocial and mental health issues
• Experience in case management including management of case conferences
• Project reporting and evaluation experience
• Field or staff supervision experience
• Must have done Mental Health WHO quality Rights online course
Job Education Requirements: Not Specified
Job Education Experience: Not Specified
Work Hours: 8
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Job application procedure
If you are a professional with a passion to make a difference in mental health and improving lives of those with mental conditions and psychosocial disabilities, send your application letter and resume via Apply Now Button, deadline for submitting applications is 30th April 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please indicate the position you are applying for as the subject of your email.
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