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Project Background:

The Accelerated Control of HIV Epidemic and Sustainability Solution (ACCESS) project is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment project funded by PEPFAR through the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, to support the governments of Abia, Enugu, and Imo states. It is a 5-year project (October 2022 to September 2027) to be implemented by Caritas Nigeria.  The overall goal of the project is to achieve and sustain HIV epidemic control in the three assigned States while ensuring a seamless transition to the Government of Nigeria.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, creates awareness on various mental health issues and provides psychological assessment, diagnosis, and individual, group, and sometimes if necessary, family therapy, referral, and follow-up to acute and moderate mental health challenges experienced by staff of Caritas Nigeria and consultation with outside facilities and/or agencies.

Key Areas of Accountability.

• Diagnoses or evaluates mental and emotional challenges of staff and administers programs of treatment; interviews staff within organizational settings in the office, clinics, hospitals, and other appropriate settings.
• Observes staff in various situations; selects, administers, and interprets intelligence, personality, or other psychological tests to diagnose disorders and formulate plans of treatment, and provides consultation to other mental health professionals with regard to test results.
• Treats psychological disorders to effect improved adjustments utilizing various psychological techniques; selects appropriate treatment approach and plans frequency, intensity, and duration of individual, group, and family therapies.
• Assesses client progress and modifies treatment programs accordingly; counsels with family members (if needed) and communicates with Caritas management as appropriate.
• Documents therapy in accordance with policies and procedures regarding medical records; implements and adheres to policies that ensure patient confidentiality and consent.
• Provides crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.
• Provides regular mental health educational workshops to staff on a routine basis.
• Participates in educational programs, in-service meetings, and workshops to enhance professional development and maintain currency of methodology and techniques.
• Collaborates with other mental health professionals within hospitals, clinics, and other community-based agencies with regard to clients and/or patient care.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

The Responsibilities (Above) are not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.

Qualification and Experience:

 Qualified applicants must have:

Minimum Job Requirements

• MSc in Clinical Psychology, 3-year Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship, and 4 years’ experience directly related to duties and responsibilities specified or
• Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, and completion of Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship; at least 3 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. or
• Membership of the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA) and the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP) is a must.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant current therapeutic methodologies and techniques.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Ability to effectively communicate test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
• Interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation skills.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Ability to assess mental status in clients and to develop individual treatment goals and plans.
• Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining client records.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) professional diagnosis and evaluation of nature and severity of mental and emotional disorders in individual clients, families, and/or groups; b) administration, assessment, and interpretation of various psychological tests and assessments; c) formulation, implementation, and evaluation of a range of psychological therapeutic treatment plans; d) establishment and maintenance of client medical records in accordance with regulations, policies, and established practices; e) creating awareness about mental health.

Additional Advantage

• Understanding of faith-based organizations and capacity-building in local partnerships
• Familiarity with policies, procedures, and priorities of Caritas agencies
• Experience in staff development and partner capacity
• Demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality in programming and operations.
• Demonstrated capacity and experience with institutional strengthening of civil society
• Flexibility to work both in a team and independently
• Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.
• Ability to travel across states of ACCESS implementation 50% of the time.

Key working relationships:

Internal: Management & staff of Caritas Nigeria.

External: As assigned.

Disclaimer.

Continued Professional Development CPD.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

CARITAS NIGERIA is committed to providing CPD for its Employees. Employees are required to undertake available Training Courses and Research to enhance personal knowledge, skills and experience.

CARITAS NIGERIA fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a Competitive Benefits Package, Professional Development and Policies/Programs that support healthy Work/Life balance. Join our workforce to help create a society where everyone enjoys… Fullness of Life!