Mental Health and Psychosocial Counselor

1. BASIC FUNCTIONS:

. Provides comprehensive professional counseling services to Scholars to maximize their personal and professional effectiveness. Duties include mental health counseling and support, group and individual counseling, behavioral change consultation, series of group presentations and workshops, providing psychological support and training to Scholars on various related topics.

. N.B. This position is on a contractual basis and supported by the USAID Higher Education at AUB.

2. DUTIES PERFORMED:

Provides one-on-one counseling and therapy to students on a scheduled basis or through crisis intervention.

Provides group counseling and psychosocial support to students as needed.

Constantly monitors and supervises counseled students to ensure their safety. Ensures that they do not harm themselves or others.

Assists students to manage their emotions through de-escalation strategy.

Assesses the psychological needs and challenges of the Scholars through different methods, such as clinical interviewing and screening tools.

Provides students with evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) for tackling anxiety and depression.

Trains, develops and facilitates group workshops and presentations on relevant topics related to: time and stress management, communication skills, anxiety and depression management, supporting others in need, academic performance, and psychological wellbeing. Develops and maintains supplemental print and web-based materials.

Sensitizes and coordinates with relevant AUB offices on campus (Student affairs, the Accessible Education Office, faculties, staff, OIP) to ensure a holistic support for students.

Engages during the Scholars orientation in order to ensure a smooth transition to the university.

Networks and refers students to different health units and specialists depending on the need (UHS, family physician, psychiatrist, emergency room, etc.).

When needed, educates patients’ families about the mental health problems faced by patients and how to help them recover.

Researches and benchmarks against the latest successful and/or evidence-based counseling and/or support interventions to university students.

Prepares periodic reports to be submitted to USAID.

Performs other related duties as requested.

3. WORK CONTACTS:

Regular contacts with the Director of USAID program, Director of counseling center and Student affairs personnel. Occasional contacts with deans and assistant deans, professionals (physicians and psychiatrists), university administration and faculty members.

4. INDEPENDENCE OF OPERATION:

Reports to the Director of USAID program as line manager and, to the Director of counseling center as technical manager.

Works according to established procedures, clearly set precedents and professional standards. Completed work is subject to subsequent review.

5. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

6.   PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Minimal

7.   WORK CONDITIONS:

Clean and pleasant

8.   MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

MA in Clinical Psychology.

Must have an official license to practice the profession.

At least three years counselling experience. Previous experience with young adults and in an academic setting as counselor or support personnel is an asset.

Preference will be given to candidates willing to reside on the university campus.

Motivated to work and actively engage with university students.

Understand health holistically: physical, mental, social, spiritual, and academic.

Pleasant, engaging, empathic, non-judgmental.

Inter-culturally competent.

Comfortable and competent to work in groups and collaborate with different people.

Excellent report writing skills.

Flexible enough to step out of the role of traditional counselor such as to give trainings and workshops, engage students in social settings, and to engage in outreach activities.

Very good knowledge of English and of Arabic is required.

Ability to work under pressure.

Must possess time management skills.