Psychosocial Counsellor

Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organization (MACRO)

Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organization (MACRO) is a locally registered nongovernmental organization (NGO) established in 1995 to complement Government’s efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS and other health related issues.

MACRO’s Vision is “Malawi populace free of ill-Health” and its Mission is “Transform lives of Malawians through provision of high-quality HIV and AIDS, and other health related services”.

With funding from CDC, MACRO is implementing the IMPACT Project whose purpose is: To strengthen effective measures to address unmet needs for HTS among men, AGYW and KP/PP and HIV services for KP in CDC supported districts towards the attainment of 95-95-95 goals.

Therefore, MACRO is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant position in Lilongwe.

Post: Psychosocial counsellor

Duty Station: Lilongwe

Reports to: District DREAMS Officer

Position Summary

The PSS counsellor reports to the district DREAMS officer and is responsible for providing psychosocial support to clients in catchment areas implementing the IMPACT-DREAMS project.

Responsibilities

  • Providing, developing, and applying effective interventions to promote the client’s psychological well-being, social, emotional, and behavioral development
  • Initiating/Attending case management meetings and involving multidisciplinary teams
  • Counsel newly identified and initiated patients on ART to facilitate acceptance of HIV status, disclosure, and uptake of partner and family testing
  • Provide psychosocial support to clients during high viral load clinics and identify support strategies to improve adherence with the Clinic team.
  • Act as a focal point for identification, documentation, and referral of cases, including assignment of cases to case managers on SGBV and child protection through the provision of psychosocial support.
  • Provide psychosocial support to clients during outreach clinics and identify support strategies to improve outcomes for the patient (includes liaising with parents/ guardians and education support structures). Screen for depression and other mental health issues and address them/refer
  • Work with CBOs and support groups to identify and organize activities to improve positive living and improved self confidence
  • Provide psychosocial support to improve disclosure and support uptake of risk reduction behaviors and improved communications amongst discordant couples
  • Provide psycho-social support for victims of GBV and ensure appropriate referrals are provided. Follow up with GBV patient one month after to document outcomes
  • Make appropriate professional referrals for AGYWs who require psychological, psychiatric, or legal assessment/treatment and other psychosocial support services. Have a list of agencies and individuals to provide referrals to
  • Organize home visits for selected clients and provide home-based support
  • Work with HDA, CBDAs, and Expert clients to ensure patients at high risk of defaulting are referred to get further support from the Psychosocial Counsellor

Communication and Knowledge Management

  • Represent DREAMS project progress, achievements, and lessons learned to donors, key stakeholders in the public, private sector, and professional circles through networking, meetings, conferences, and presentations;
  • Maintain excellent relationships with the donor, MOH, partners, and stakeholders;
  • Work with community-based stakeholders on HIV-related service delivery including HTS providers, HSAs, CBOs, VHCs, expert clients, and CBDAs.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Competencies

  • University diploma in psychosocial counseling from a recognized institution.
  • At least 3 years of experience in health sector programs, with a focus on community-based service delivery.
  • Sound understanding of PEPFAR and Malawian Government HIV priorities, including 95-95-95 goals and demographic targeting, Malawi’s health sector policies, and program frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with NGOs/CBOs and other community-based organizations
  • Competent computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook Email, etc);
  • Articulate in written and spoken English with effective communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills
  • Experience in supporting the community-based provision of health services
  • Valid motorbike license

All interested applicants for the above positions are requested to submit their application, CV, educational qualifications, names and contact telephone numbers of at least three referees addressed to The Executive Director, MACRO, by email to: macrorecencyproject@gmail.com with subject line clearly indicating the position being applied for. Closing date for receiving applications is Friday, 22nd March, 2024.  Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.