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Registered Psychological Counsellor

Job description

Position Code

HRD-SA/10-020

Program

Kuyakhanya

Reporting To

Lay Mental Health Lead

Employment Type

Part-time (Contractual)

Location

Umzumbe, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

JOb Purpose

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Lay Mental Health Lead to oversee the delivery of high-quality mental health services within the Kuyakhanya Project. This role includes providing clinical supervision and guidance to Lay Mental Health Counsellors, ensuring effective screening and counseling services. S/he will also deliver direct therapeutic interventions for severe or complex cases and lead capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the skills and knowledge of Lay Mental Health Counsellors involved in the project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide weekly individual and group clinical supervision to Lay Mental Health Counsellors to enhance their counselling skills and address technical challenges.
  • Offer debriefing and emotional support to promote Lay Mental Health Counsellors’ well-being and resilience.
  • Manage severe mental health cases referred by Lay Mental Health Counsellors, conducting counselling for individuals with critical needs.
  • Serve as the first escalation point for specialised mental health care, ensuring appropriate case management and referrals.
  • Collaborate with Department of Health (DoH) Nurses and Community Care Givers to facilitate smooth referrals to higher-level care or district hospitals.
  • Support the onboarding, mentorship, and capacity-building of new and existing Lay Mental Health Counsellors to strengthen service delivery.
  • Host group support sessions for ECD practitioners and caregivers as needed.
  • Ensure that all counselling sessions and referrals adhere to professional and ethical standards.
  • Maintain detailed supervision notes, clinical documentation, and referral tracking records.
  • Work closely with the Lay Mental Health Lead to ensure alignment with project goals and South African mental health protocols.
  • Participate in periodic training and mentorship sessions for the mental health team.
  • Submit regular updates to the Lay Mental Health Lead, highlighting progress, challenges, and trends in service delivery.
  • Contribute to quarterly project reports and participate in review meetings.
  • Provide part-time services at Umzumbe Municipality Primary Health Clinics and coordinate availability for community activities with the Lay Mental Health Lead.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA)

Required Qualification

  • A Bachelor's degree in Psychology (BPsych) or an equivalent qualification, with registration as a Psychological Counsellor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Required Experience

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in community-based mental health services or counselling.
  • Familiarity with rural or low-resource settings in South Africa.
  • Experience coordinating with government health departments or NGOs.
  • Preferred experience in providing debriefing and supervision to community counsellors.

Required Skills

  • Strong counselling and supervision skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of South African mental health protocols, particularly at the Primary Health Care level.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in both isiZulu and English (spoken and written).
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
  • Sensitivity to cultural and contextual factors in service delivery.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
  • Flexibility to travel within the Umzumbe Municipality as required.
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