Counselling Psychologist

Purpose
The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding  is to establish a National Child Helpline to provide  immediate response/intervention(s) for children  who are in crisis, who have been exposed to  adverse childhood experiences or who simply need  to speak to someone confidentially about matters  affecting them. It is expected that the National Child Helpline will be operational on a 24-hour basis for an initial period of eighteen (18) months, with the intention to further extend the operation for incremental periods. For all avoidance of doubt, a child is anyone under eighteen (18) years of age.

Job Opportunity
Counselling Psychologist – Three (3) vacant positions

Under the supervision of the Quality Assurance Coordinator, the incumbent should provide high level confidential intervention for children who contact the Helpline with serious challenges and need immediate support.

Requirements

• A Master of Science Degree in Mental Health or Counselling or equivalent
  certification from a recognized tertiary institution;
• A minimum of three (3) years related working experience.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments, including assessment of mental health needs;
• Ability to formulate a psychological explanation of the children’s issues;
• Establish a collaborative working relationship with the children based on trust
  and respect;
• Communicate complex, technical and/or clinically sensitive information
  clearly, both orally and in writing to children, their families and caregivers as
  well as to relevant stakeholders within the child protection sector as may be
  needed so that the child may receive the requisite support;
• Prepare monthly case management reports to track the number of children
  who use this medium to seek assistance, the number of cases
  resolved/referrals and /or pending;
• Collaborate with and provide advice to caregivers and references in
  planning of treatment and provision of services to meet the children’s needs;
• Plan and implement specialist psychological treatment to help children;
• Empower children in the best possible manner to address their issues by
  seeking the necessary help to aid and support positive changes to their
  behavior;
• Monitor and evaluate the outcome of treatment; and
• Carry out continuing personal and professional development to keep your
  knowledge and skills up to date.

Required Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and psycho-therapeutic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to consistently observe the principle of confidentiality;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent counselling skills;
• Working knowledge of the Child Care and  Protection Act, 2004;
• Excellent time management skills to manage a caseload;
• Good Information Technology skills;
• Possess the ability to work as part of a team;
• Possess the ability to explore emotional issues with children;
• Able to work under pressure;
• Good analytical skills;
• Be open-minded and able to develop a sensitive approach when dealing with children;
• Be able to relate to people at all levels,  despite their level of education and/or comprehension; and
• Be able to anticipate potentially difficult situations and navigate them with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

Note

To apply please send your correspondences to: vacancies@oca.gov.jm

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

Email: vacancies@oca.gov.jm

Base Salary: Undisclosed