Vacancy at WHER Initiative

[TeeJay]

Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER) Initiative, in order to fulfil our vision of providing a platform for the self-realization of women regardless of their sexual orientation, status, disability and age is recruiting lesbian, bisexual and other sexual minority women (LBSMW) to serve as peer counsellors on our Sister2Sister Project.

 

 

 

A Peer Counsellor is responsible for assisting Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER) Initiative in providing first aid psychological support, psychosocial counselling, and referrals for services to LBSMW in the state she resides. She will document and monitor cases reported to her of a psychosocial nature, keeping good case files and sharing these with the WHER Initiative. Additionally, she will conduct outreach into the community, mobilizing and sensitizing LBSMW in her state of residence on issues related to their psychosocial needs, particularly working to break the stigma around mental health and providing information on where they can go for assistance.

 

 

 

 Duties and Responsibilities

 

Assist in the administration of a mental health needs assessment, conducting outreach to potential participantsProvide first aid psychological support and psychosocial counselling to clients as neededWork closely with clients to address problems and answer questions, gather and provide information and advice, and connect clients to resources and to the community. Initiate, establish and maintain relationships with clients while developing trust and rapport.Document and monitor cases and share updated case files with the WHER InitiativeEnsure confidentiality and the safety and security of clients by putting in place strong physical and digital security practicesProvide a weekly report of cases to the Sister2Sister Project OfficerNetwork with/ mobilize LBSMW in her state of residence including through sensitisationOrganize and facilitate discussion forums that empower and educate LBSMW. Organize and facilitate peer support groupsAttend meetings related to the project

 

Requirements

 

Has a minimum of a Secondary School certificate.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Strong interpersonal skillsDemonstrate a clear understanding of the state she resides inFluency in one or more of the Nigerian languages commonly spoken in her state preferredAble to effectively demonstrate and communicate empathyComfortable working either in one-on-one or group settings.Active involvement in the community and a willingness to collaborate with othersKnow and able to mobilize many LBSMW in the state that she resides in.Reflect a clear and objective understanding of gender and sexual diversity.Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, including clients, co-counsellors, and WHER Initiative staff.Trustworthy and able to keep clients’ information confidential.Willing to give her full commitment to the program.Available to attend the two training workshops (lasting for two days each) in July and August 2017 which will be held in Abuja.Non-judgementalWilling and able to examine own biases

 

 

 

How to Apply

 

Send a cover letter (no more than one page), describing how you fit the requirements for this position and why you would like to become a Peer Counsellor and a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) via email to: wher.nigeria@filtered.com.

 

 

 

Deadline for submission of all applications is Monday, February 20th, 2017.

[Althena]

This says vacancy, does it mean it is a paid gig or is it free work?

[TeeJay]

Thank you for that question, Al. Errrrr... I should have titled that "Call for Appication" as I am not certain on the payment plan. Have to get back to you (NL) on that one. I do know trainees would be taken care of during training. Either way, the skill(s) acquired and the job experience would be worth it.

[Calllaris]

Its a job.

[TeeJay]

A part time kind of job. You can do it in your location. There would be stipends every month, but not a salary.