COUNSELOR EDUCATOR

Main Purpose 

The counselor educator will be performing counseling and/or education sessions to patients, following different medical and mental health MSF protocols and procedures, in order to improve their pychosocial condition. 

Accountabilities 

• Identify the psychosocial, socio-economic and administrative needs for patients. 
• Actively promote the availability of counselling services and carry out, individual or in group counselling, basic psycho educational sessions, to patients, their families (when needed), in order to alleviate their psychosocial difficulties within the project scope.  
• Refer patients to other specialists or other institutions for further assistance, when necessary in order to propose the best support available.  
• Participate in the creation of any material needed for counselling activities and look after it. 
• Keep files and statistics of daily activities and participate in team meetings to share experiences and discuss special cases with other counselors, preserving confidentiality. 
• Inform line manager of any problem of any kind arising during the day-to-day activities.  
• Take active part in trainings, supervisions/intervisions and support the activities manager when necessary in doing sensitization for MSF staff or external partners about mental health /psychosocial issues.  
• Discuss difficulties and problems in counselling with supervisor.  

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities 

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions for patients dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. 
• Offer psychological first aid and emotional support to patients affected by crisis, displacement, or severe stress. 
• Assess patient needs, develop treatment plans, and provide short-term therapy or referrals to long-term mental health services as necessary. 
• Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and relaxation techniques to support recovery. 
• Respond to urgent mental health needs, including providing trauma-informed care to individuals affected by war, natural disasters, or other emergencies. 
• Help patients process and manage acute trauma symptoms and guide them through recovery stages. 
• Conduct risk assessments for patients at risk of harm to themselves or others, and provide appropriate interventions 
• Educate patients and communities on mental health issues, stress management, coping strategies, and available support services. 
• Work collaboratively with medical and non-medical staff on the MMU team to address the physical and mental health needs of patients. 
• Coordinate with local mental health professionals, NGOs, and government agencies to ensure continued mental health support for patients in need of ongoing care. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, including intake assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and follow-up reports. 
• Monitor and document changes in patient condition, and share relevant information with the team to ensure comprehensive care. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations regarding patient confidentiality and data protection. 
• Adapt counseling approaches to diverse cultural backgrounds and specific community needs, demonstrating flexibility in crisis situations. 
• Be prepared to work in challenging, mobile environments, including traveling to remote locations and working under pressure. 

Requirements 

Education 

Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in Counseling, social work, psychology or other similar degree/diploma. 

Experience 

Essential one year of experience in similar position.  

Desirable Experience with NGO 

Languages 

Full Proficiency in Arabic and English