Counsellors

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.

Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in Counselling, Social Work  or equivalent certification from a recognized tertiary institution;
• A minimum of three (3) years related working experience.

Responsibilities

• Providing emotional support to children who contact the helpline, through talk therapy and targeted activities;
• Provide remote confidential counselling to children;
• Evaluate the child through conversations, interviews and observations to determine correct testing/procedure for follow-up action;
• Develop a counselling plan to include other services;
• On a monthly basis prepare data to reflect the number of children who received counselling and the number of referrals recorded for treatment by the Counselling Psychologist or other services;
• Help the child to discuss their experiences and emotions;
• Educate the child on strategies to include coping skills;
• Refer children to one of the Helpline’s Counselling Psychologists or unto other services within the child protection sector for treatment or other services; and
• Help children with multiple issues such as substance abuse, bullying, anger management, depression, relationship advice, stress and suicide to transformation.

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