Mental Health Counselor

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Rift Valley Children’s Fund is looking for a qualified Mental Health Counselor to join our 1-year Mental Health Program.

The successful candidate will provide counselling and psychosocial support to children and adolescents, promote mental wellbeing, support early identification of mental health concerns, and contribute to a safe and supportive environment for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct individual counselling and psychosocial support sessions for children and adolescents.
• Facilitate group counselling, psychoeducation, and mental health awareness sessions.
• Use age-appropriate approaches, including play-based and supportive counselling techniques, where appropriate.
• Provide basic trauma-informed support to children and adolescents experiencing loss, abuse, neglect, violence, or other traumatic experiences.
• Support identification and management of emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental difficulties, under appropriate clinical supervision.
• Provide caregiver counselling and psychoeducation to strengthen understanding and support of children's mental health needs.
• Maintain accurate and confidential counselling notes, client records, follow-up information, and program reports.
• Identify children requiring specialized mental health assessment and refer to the Consultant Clinical Psychologist, psychiatrist, or other appropriate specialist.
• Participate in case reviews, multidisciplinary meetings, safeguarding activities, and follow-up of referred cases.
• Promote child protection, safeguarding, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice in all mental health activities.
• Support the implementation and reporting of mental health awareness and prevention programs within the children's home and surrounding community.
• Perform other Duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Requirements

• Diploma / Bachelor Degree in Counselling or Psychology.
• Relevant professional registration/certification, where applicable.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in counselling, psychosocial support, or mental health settings is an added advantage.
• Basic knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, behavioral difficulties, safeguarding, and mental health promotion.
• Mandatory computer literacy skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, email, electronic record keeping, and preparation of reports.
• Good communication, interpersonal, documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively under the supervision of a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• High level of confidentiality, professionalism, empathy, and respect for children and adolescents.