Registered Counsellor

**WHAT WE NEED**

**YOU MUST BE**:
Empathetic, with a high level of sensitivity, and respect for individuals' diverse backgrounds and experiences. To have a proven experience in providing general counselling services, preferably within a primary care or multidisciplinary team setting. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Strong knowledge of mental health disorders, screening techniques, and evidence-based counselling approaches.

**YOU MUST WANT TO**:
Add value to the team by delivering exceptional work. Collaborate within an MDT framework, maintaining effective communication and coordination. Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying informed about current research and best practices in counselling.

**YOU MUST BE ABLE TO**:
Establish trust and rapport with clients and the healthcare team. To work collaboratively within an MDT framework, maintaining effective communication and coordination.

**WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO**:

- Front-line Screening and Counselling: a. Conduct routine mental health screenings for individuals at risk, such as teenagers, pregnant and postpartum women, and those experiencing significant health or psychosocial events. b. Provide individual or group counselling sessions to individuals identified through screenings or those seeking support voluntarily.

c. Develop and implement programs targeting at-risk groups to promote mental well-being and prevent the escalation of mental health issues.
- Sifting and Triage: a. Assess and evaluate clients' mental health conditions, determining the appropriate level of care and making referrals to specialists like general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, and psychiatrists when necessary. b. Collaborate closely with the MDT to ensure effective coordination and timely referrals, maintaining open lines of communication.
- _Compliance Support:_ a. Offer counselling and behaviour change interventions to patients diagnosed with chronic diseases, facilitating, and supporting lifestyle modifications to improve compliance with therapy and overall well-being.
- Provide guidance and support to patients undergoing significant life changes triggered by a health diagnosis, helping them navigate emotional adjustments and lifestyle adaptations.
- _Referral Coordination_: a. Engage with the MDT to share challenges, discuss diagnoses, and coordinate patient management strategies. b. Collaborate closely with GPs, psychologists, occupational therapists (OTs), and psychiatrists, making referrals as needed to ensure comprehensive and holistic care.
- _Auxiliary Mental Healthcare Provision:_ a. Support the mental health team (GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists) in managing patients diagnosed with mental health conditions. b. Monitor treatment response, encourage compliance, identify red flags, and provide supplementary counselling to patients. c. Establish an open two-way referral policy, promoting effective cross-referrals between professionals to enhance patient care.
- _Care for the Carer_. a. Provide mental well-being support to healthcare workers, recognizing and addressing burnout and emotional strain. b. Foster resilience and offer regular check-ins to support the well-being of the MDT members, ensuring a cohesive and effective team.

**Desired Experience & Qualifications**
- Valid registration as a Counsellor with the health professional council.
- A degree in Counselling from an accredited institution.
- Competency in the following skills:

- Proficiency in documentation, record-keeping, and maintaining confidentiality
- Strong knowledge of mental health disorders, screening techniques, and evidence-based counselling approaches.
- Proficiency in documentation, record-keeping, and maintaining confidentiality.
- Proven experience in providing general counselling services, preferably within a primary care or multidisciplinary team setting.

**IF WE DO NOT CONTACT YOU WITHIN A MONTH OF YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE CONSIDER IT UNSUCCESSFUL.**

**ALL THE BEST AND GOOD LUCK**

**Education**:

- Bachelor's (required)

**Experience**:

- Proven experience in providing general counselling: 2 years (required)

License/Certification:

- HPCSA registration (preferred)