Counsellor job at Medical Teams International Uganda

About the Organization

In our broken world, so many people are suffering. They are pushed to the margins and forgotten. Men, women and children are persecuted and left without homes. They are hurting, sick and in crisis.

God calls us to love the vulnerable, to dare to love like Jesus. He uses us to provide people in crisis with protection and care.

We work to restore health as the first step to restoring hope. Because every person deserves the chance for a better life.

Job Description

Medical Teams International is a faith-based not for profit health relief and development organization with a Calling “Daring to love like Jesus, we boldly break barriers to health and restore wholeness in a hurting world.” MTI-UG has operations in West Nile and South western Uganda. We provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS and Nutrition.
Job Summary: The Counselor will be responsible for coordinating professional and peer counseling services and organizing community outreach and sensitization activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Plan and perform the delivery of the counseling services, including individual and group counselling related to HIV, SGBV, nutrition and more areas, and establish follow up plans to ensure clients are fully supported
Participate in ART Clinic activities including providing counselling before and after clients take HIV test and referring clients to begin ARV treatment
Organise community education and sensitisation activities on public health concerns
Refer patients to other specialists for further assistance, when necessary, in order to propose the best support available
Conduct home visits to current clients and referrals, where relevant
Ensure counselling services are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics and that client confidentiality is maintained in accordance with professional guidelines and MTI Code of Conduct
Utilize Peer Educators to assist in home visits, community outreach and peer counselling activities
Recruit, manage and appraise counseling volunteers, known as expert clients, and provide development and training opportunities
Maintain records and submit to supervisor according to schedule
Ensure direct reports have clear objectives, receive mentorship and participate in capacity building opportunities
Conduct performance evaluations and enforce disciplinary procedures as per MTI policy
Other duties as assigned

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Diploma in Guidance and Counseling, Social Works & Social Administration, Social Sciences or a related qualification is required
Additional training in HIV counselling is an added advantage
Two years of experience providing counseling in a health service setting is required
Experience providing HIV counseling is an added advantage
Experience working with international NGOs is an added advantage
Knowledge of counseling principles and practices
Knowledge of HIV and SGBV related topics
Skilled in applying counselling principles to improve the psychosocial well-being of clients
Skilled in building relationships that make clients feel supported
Skilled in using behaviour change strategies to motivate clients to adhere to HIV treatment plans
Skilled in organising community education activities
Skilled in presenting information to a group
Skilled at using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
Ability to be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality
Keen interest in mentoring staff
Ability to hold staff accountable to work responsibilities, MTI protocol and ethical standards
Ability to support MTI Calling and adhere to the MTI Code of Conduct