Mental Health and Psychosocial Counselor at the Office of the Provost-USAID/ Office of Student Affairs- Counseling Center

Job Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Counselor

Department: Office of the Provost-USAID/ Office of Student Affairs- Counseling Center

Grade: Above grade 12

Basic Functions: AUB is seeking a counselor to support the needs of Scholars of USAID. The counselor will be hosted at the counseling center and coordinating closely with USAID program team.

The counselor has a key role in ensuring the wellbeing of the Scholars of USAID at AUB as individuals and as a group. Main tasks include providing comprehensive professional counseling services to Scholars to maximize their personal and professional effectiveness. Duties include mental health counseling and support, group and individual counseling, behavioral change consultation, series of group presentations and workshops, providing psychological support and training to Scholars on various related topics.  

N.B. This position is on a contractual basis and supported by the USAID Higher Education Scholarship Award at AUB.

Duties Performed:

• Provides one-on-one counseling and therapy to students on a scheduled basis or through crisis intervention. 
• Provides group counseling and psychosocial support to students as needed.
• Constantly monitors and supervises counseled students to ensure their safety and to ensure that they do not harm themselves or others.
• Assists students in managing  their emotions through de-escalation strategy.
• Assesses the psychological needs and challenges of the scholars through different methods, such as clinical interviewing and screening tools.
• Provides students with evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) for tackling anxiety and depression
• Trains, develops and facilitates group workshops and presentations on relevant topics related to: time and stress management, communication skills, anxiety and depression management, supporting others in need, academic performance, and psychological well-being. Develops and maintains supplemental print and web-based materials.
• Sensitizes and Coordinates with relevant AUB offices on campus (Student affairs, the Accessible Education Office, faculties, staff, OIP) to ensure holistic support for students.
• Participates in scholars' orientation to ensure a smooth transition to the university.
• Networks and refers students to different health units and specialists depending on the need (UHS, family physician, psychiatrist, emergency room, etc.)
• When needed, educates students' families about the mental health problems their children are facing and how to help them recover.
• Researches and benchmarks against the latest successful and/or evidence-based counseling and/or support interventions for university students.
• Prepares periodic reports to be submitted to USAID .
• Performs other related and similar duties as may be needed and/or requested. 

Work Contacts:

Regular contacts with the Director of USAID program and Director of Counseling Center. 

Occasional contacts with Deans and Assistant Deans, Professionals (Physicians and Psychiatrists), University Administration and Faculty members.

Independence of Operation:

Reports to the Director of USAID Program as line manager and Director of Counseling Center as technical manager.

Works according to established procedures clearly set precedents and professional administrative standards. Completed work is subject to subsequent review. 

Supervisory Responsibility:

None. 

Physical Effort:

Minimal.

Work Conditions:

Clean and pleasant.

Minimum Requirements:

• MA in Clinical Psychology.
• Must have an official license to practice the profession.
• Three to five years of professional experience, including direct counseling work with young adults.
• Experience in an academic setting as a counselor or support personnel is an asset.
• Very good knowledge of English and Arabic
• Proficient in Microsoft office tools. 
• Excellent report-writing and strong time-management skills.
• Effective under pressure.
• Motivated to work closely and engage actively with university students.
• Flexible enough to step out of the role of traditional counselor such as to give trainings and workshops, engage students in social settings, and to engage in outreach activities.
• Holistic understanding of health (physical, mental, social, spiritual, and academic).
• Pleasant, engaging, empathetic, and non-judgmental, with strong intercultural competence.