Mental Health Counselor
About the role
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.