SolidarMed is a leading non-profit organization working to improve the health care of 2.5 million people in Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Working together with national partners to strengthen health systems and community capacities, we are committed to scientific evidence and policy dialogue both as foundations and objectives of our work.
In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Lesotho, SolidarMed is currently building its mental and behavioural health clinical research portfolio in Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong districts. Two clinical trials will begin this year testing innovative treatment approaches to reduce common mental health problems, including depression, alcohol, and other substance use. The interventions used will be based on the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), an evidence-based treatment guide for non-specialist providers.
We are looking for two (2) interventionists who can deliver structured mental health interventions for depression, alcohol, and substance use, based on mhGAP. Interventionists will work one-on-one with study participants as well as with family members. All interventionists will receive intensive training in the specific intervention approaches used in the study as well as receive weekly supervision from clinically-trained personnel in Switzerland. The interventionists will work within a larger research team, with team members based in Lesotho and Switzerland. Interventionists will work closely with the Lesotho-based research coordinator. A successful interventionist will have excellent interpersonal skills, display empathy and be non-judgmental to persons of different backgrounds, open to learning clinical skills and receiving regular feedback on clinical performance and incorporating feedback.
Responsibilities:
- Receive training in mhGAP related to depression, alcohol, or other substance use
- Provide direct clinical services to participants enrolled in the studies for depression, alcohol, or other substance use using structured intervention guides
- Prepare for clinical sessions by reviewing intervention guides
- Write clinical notes after intervention sessions
- Prepare for and receiving clinical supervision
- Translate selected clinical sessions for supervision
- Assist with additional research administration, as needed
Requirements:
- Certification of prior clinical training, for example a degree in pastoral counseling or a degree in psychology (any subfield), mental health nursing, social work, or a related field
- At least one year of clinical experience working with clients or patients in a psychosocial capacity
- Empathic and non-judgemental attitude towards mental health, substance use, and people living with HIV
- Ability to listen to feedback about performance and willingness incorporate feedback
- Comfortable working with family members, in addition to individual patients
- Has an interest in supporting research on behavioural interventions for mental health
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Fluent in both English and Sesotho
- IT skills including Microsoft Office and Google Drive, and use of the internet
- Ability to learn new software programs, such as RedCap
- Ability to work well within a team
In addition to the above, the following would be advantageous:
- Mental or behavioural health research experience
- Interest in advancing education (e.g., pursuing a Bachelors’ or Masters’ degree)
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should send applications to [email protected] . Only electronic applications are accepted. Subject line: Lay Behavioural Interventionist. Closing date for applications is Sunday February 26th, 2023.
Applications must include:
- Motivation letter, which must include/describe the following: (1) prior clinical training; (2) prior psychosocial clinical experiences; and (3) personal research and career plans over the next 5 years.
- Detailed curriculum vitae, indicating relevant work experience and contact details of three professional referees.
- Certified copies of most relevant qualifications
- Certified copy of Identity Document/Passport
NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted