Counsellor

The Government of Montserrat is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Counsellor, within the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The selected applicant as Counsellor to provide high-quality counselling, therapeutic support and other mental health related services on the island. The Counsellor will also be required to engage with the Ministry staff as well as the agencies and departments which engage in linked services with a view of transferring and sharing of knowledge thus ensuring that there is strengthening of the human capacity and service delivery within the Government of Montserrat

DUTIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Counsellor will be responsible for:

1. Provide counselling to individuals and groups using various counselling approaches. 
2. Conduct screening assessments to identify mental health issues, risks and protective factors to guide the mental health interventions.
3. Provide a safe environment conducive to emotional exploration and processing of experiences and gaining insight into relevant issues, so that these issues could be resolved if possible.
4. Make appropriate referrals for care to the necessary complementary or auxiliary services.
5. Work in partnership across key agencies or care providers to ensure comprehensive care plans.
6. Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
7. Evaluate the effective of the counselling intervention and modify the treatment plan if necessary.
8. Maintain client records and other paperwork relevant to the client (e.g. assessment; diagnoses; progress notes etc), and keep these records confidential.
9. Conduct training in various mental health related fields (e.g. Substance Abuse) to service users and key agencies such as Social Services, Education and RMPF.
10. Coordinate and facilitate workshops, courses, training events and other forums for giving information and teaching about mental health issues.
11. With consent from client, engage family members to ensure that they have the relevant psycho-education to understand the client’s issues, so that they could provide the relevant support necessary to the client.
12. Contribute to the design and implementation of population-based research which will inform the development of programs and services which are responsive to the needs of the population.
13. Collect data, record trends and advise the Ministry of Health and Social Services on required program changes.

QUALITIES & EXPERIENCE

Education

• Must have a Master of Science Degree in Counselling Psychology or a Master’s Degree in a related field of Behavioral Science.

Experience

• Minimum 2-5 years working experience with various demographics and in related environment to the highlighted professional tasks/identified needs.

Personal Development

• Ensure that BACP or other accreditation are up to date
• Learn about new developments in the area of counselling and mental health issues through workshops, reading professional publications, attending relevant courses or seminars and attending other continuing education classes if possible.
• Identify and seek opportunities for personal development in areas such as psychotherapy and other relevant areas to improve treatment outcome.

ACCREDITATION

Essentials

• Maintain a current and recognised professional accreditation or licensing body and membership should be maintained for the duration of the period of engagement. 

Knowledge

• Have knowledge of different counselling approaches
• Knowledge of human behaviour
• Knowledge of evidence-based assessment and therapeutic interventions.

Skills

• Knowledge and Skills in the principles and practices in Counselling 
• Facilitation and Counselling Skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Report writing skills
• Organising and planning skills                              
• Computer literacy
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Problem Solving Skills

Abilities

Should have ability to:

• Use initiative and work independently
• Manage caseload and participate in clinical management conference
• Assess and develop treatment and intervention care plans
• Plan and facilitate and deliver training workshops
• Relate to a wide range of people

Other requirements for the post:

• Must be able to work in a small isolated community, with an understanding of the impact current social work practice may have on a different culture. 
• A Flexible approach to work with a willingness to assist with the provision of services when there are staff and technical capacity shortfalls.
• Exercise good judgement, integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
• An up to date Criminal Records Bureau certificate as part of our policy of safer recruitment.

Confidentiality

All information, data and documentation belonging to the government of Montserrat shall be treated by the Counsellor as confidential and shall not, at any time during or after the termination of his/her engagement, be disclosed by the Counsellor his servants, or agents or any third party without written consent of the Government.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be made on a contractual basis for a period of two (2) years.