Background

Makerere University is pleased to announce a vacant position for a Senior Psychosocial Support Services Officer. The successful candidate will serve full-time with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to advance inclusive university education and empower young people to become leaders who make meaningful contributions to national and regional development. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships and comprehensive academic, psychosocial, leadership, and transition support to young African women and men admitted to undergraduate and master's programmes at the Makerere University's Main Campus. For more information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, please visit our website: https://mscp.mak.ac.ug

Purpose of the Job

The Senior Psychosocial Support Services Officer will ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive psychosocial and mental health services to Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni.

Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Makerere University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect for all: as such, the University recruits and employs without any form of discrimination.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

Submitting falsified documents or providing false information may result in disqualification and/or legal action.

Makerere University does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interviews, or processing of employment contracts.

• Facilitate the mandatory mental wellness check-in for newly recruited Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• Facilitate annual psychosocial needs assessment for continuing Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• Provide individual counselling support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni.
• Organize group counselling sessions tailored to specific groups of Mastercard Foundation Scholars, including those from refugee backgrounds, those living with disabilities, those studying outside their home countries, young mothers, and those who may be experiencing grief.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date counselling logs for Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni.
• Facilitate the functioning of the Family System as psychosocial support groups for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• In liaison with the Counselling and Guidance Centre, facilitate the operations of the Peer Counselling Buddy Group for the wider Makerere University student community.
• Organize training sessions for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the university staff on matters of mental health for students and Staff.

• Proficiency in psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention and case management.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining up-to-date counselling logs for a large caseload.
• Demonstrated empathy and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• A master's degree in Counselling Psychology from a recognized university.
• An honours bachelor's degree in one of the following disciplines: social sciences, social work, education and psychology from a recognized university.