Kenya: Addiction Counselor

Organization: University of Maryland

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 06 Nov 2015

Vacancy: Addiction Counselor

Employment Type:Full Time

Location:Mathari Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) Clinic

Proposed Start Date:Immediately

Introduction

Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) is an affiliate of University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). UMB has a Global Health Program which is delivered through the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) and housed by various institutes among them the Institute of Human Virology (IHV). Since 2004, IHV has partnered with the governments of Kenya, Guyana, Haiti, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia to address each country’s growing HIV and AIDS epidemics. The Institute has led efforts to build National Health Systems in each country via strategic international, national, and local collaborations through the design and implementation of unique education, training, and treatment programs addressing each country’s complex HIV/AIDS epidemics. In Kenya, UMB through the Institute of Human Virology started operations in 2004 under the AIDS Relief Project consortium funded by Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through HRSA/CDC. This was the beginning of UMB’s work in Kenya which has seen implementation of 11 grants to-date. MGIC is seeking a suitably qualified persons able to fill the position of AddictionCounselor.

Position Summary

Addiction Counselor will be tasked to offer counselling services to patients who suffer from opioid dependence or other drug abuse related behavioral problems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Offer counselling services to persons with alcohol and drugs abuse challenges either individually or in group sessions-so as to help them overcome dependencies.


• Evaluating the clients to determine the extent of their health and substance problem.


• Managing the psycho-social aspect of MAT clinic clients.


• Creating treatment plans and re-evaluating them periodically, assisting patients with the development of personal recovery programs that focus on healthier behaviors and examine the issues related to the addictions.


• Provide updates on clients’ progress in line with their treatment plans to the multidisciplinary team.


• Liaise with any additional treatment programs in line with the identified issues from the treatment plan and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment programs.


• Teaching clients coping mechanisms


• Helping clients find jobs or reestablish their career.


• Leading group therapy sessions.


• Referring clients to existing support groups in the community.


• Meeting with family members to offer guidance and support.


• Taking part in community education and support programs for PWID.


• Taking part in the dissemination of nationally developed PWID promotional materials and information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counselling, psychology or related field from a recognized university.


• Diploma in Addiction counselling will be an added advantage


• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience in a similar position


• Practical Knowledge and experience in HIV management among people who Inject drugs (PWID) and or People who use drugs (PWUD)


• Practical experience in addiction counselling especially among PWUD.


• Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods and professional skills.


• Knowledge of community resources, rehabilitation centers and CSOs is an added advantage.

Desired Skills

• Ability to work independently, under pressure while at the same time adhering to strict deadlines.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills


• Innovative with a high degree of initiative


• Organizational skills


• Leadership skills

How to apply:

How to apply

If you meet the above mentioned qualifications, you are requested to send your cover letter and CV to hr@mgickenya.orgby November 6, 2015. Candidates are requested to indicate “**Addiction Counselor**” on the subject line of the email. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.

Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.