United States of America: Staff Counsellor
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 22 Aug 2013
UNICEF Staff Well-Being Unit, DHR, NYHQ
P-4 Temporary Appointment (11months, 4 November 2013 to 4 October 2014)
Staff Counsellor (Post 86514)
Overview:
Due to the nature and location of their work, UNICEF staff members are frequently exposed to high levels of day to day, cumulative stress, including those stressors related to their workload as well as the demands related to living and working in multicultural, often unstable and insecure environments. Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, DHR, the Staff Counsellor will contribute to the implementation of a stress management programme for UNICEF staff globally. The objectives of the stress management programme are to contribute to the well-being of staff and their families; to raise awareness about stress and stress management; to facilitate the provision of assistance to staff/family experiencing work-related and/or personal problems; to facilitate the provision of immediate support following a traumatic incident; to contribute towards a policy framework aimed at improving the work-life balance for UNICEF staff, and to co-ordinate the implementation of the stress management programme with EMOPS/OPSCEN, UNDSS and other UN Agencies.
Key Expected Results:
- Facilitating effective stress management interventions for all staff, aimed at chronic, work-related stress and critical incident stress.
The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for:
a. Providing staff with individual and/or group counseling (i.e. assessment, short-term intervention, referral), following self-referral or referral by the supervisor or another professional.
b. Facilitating the treatment of psychiatric disorders primarily through referrals, including to the medical services division, and through guidance to supervisors and senior management, where appropriate.
c. Identifying competent local resources for referrals whenever necessary.
d. Establishing a network of peer helpers, including the training and technical supervision of the peer helpers.
- The Staff Counsellor will provide emergency psychosocial support to staff who have been involved in critical incidents by:
a. Contacting the affected staff member(s) by e-mail or phone, offering information about typical stress reactions, stress disorders, support and referral information
b. Facilitating appropriate traumatic stress interventions, following traumatic events.
c. Recommending and arranging for individual and/or group follow-up support to staff and their dependents.
d. Coordinate with UNDSS and agency counsellors and peer helpers, to ensure the provision of adequate psychosocial support during emergencies.
In collaboration with Global HR Colleagues, facilitate the assessment of psychosocial needs of staff with a view to provide a wide range of support mechanisms (i.e. assessment, short-term intervention, referral, etc.).
Training and raising awareness on stress management issues.
a. In HQ and through field missions, the Staff Counsellor, with the aid of consultants, will facilitate regular stress management training activities to increase staff awareness regarding the manifestations of stress, and to promote the development of enhanced individual stress management.
b. The Staff Counsellor will cooperate with OLDS and Regional Offices in their activities aimed at integrating stress management into their learning strategies.
c. The Staff Counsellor will develop/revise training modules, as well as assemble other materials for training on stress management issues.
d. The Staff Counsellor will develop and disseminate information and materials about stress and stress management, including through the development and maintenance of a Stress Management portal on the UNICEF intranet.
e. The Staff Counsellor will contribute to effective policies on staff well-being.
Establish, develop and maintain a global resource inventory of stress management information.The Staff Counsellor will serve as the focal point for the exchange of information between the regions on stress management approaches and referral and consultant resources. Together with UNDSS and other UN agencies, the Staff Counsellor will assist in the coordination of Inter Agency stress counseling services.
Administrative duties, including participating in Divisional meetings and other activities, completing reporting requirements, maintaining budget, etc.
Qualifications and Experience of Successful Candidate:
Advanced University degree in counselling, clinical psychology or related mental health profession. Additional training or certification in staff support and traumatic / critical incident stress as well as a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, family counselling, training, stress management.
Minimum eight years of national and especially international work experience in staff support, mental health, cross cultural communications, counselling, and related areas, preferably gained within the UN system or international development/humanitarian aid sector.
Fluency in English and another UN Language. Knowledge of French / Spanish / Arabic desirable.
Competencies of Successful Candidate:
The following competencies are required (LI, LII and LIII indicate the level required on a three point scale, LIII being the highest):
UNICEF Core Values
o Diversity and Inclusion
o Integrity
o Commitment
UNICEF Core Competencies
o Drive for Results (LII)
o Communication (verbal and written) (LII)
o Working with People (LIII)
UNICEF Functional Competencies
o Analyzing (LII)
o Applying Technical Expertise (LII)
o Planning and Organizing (LII)
o Formulating Strategies and Concepts (LII)
o Leading and Supervising (LII)
How to apply:
Applications:
UNICEF’s salary and benefits package is based on the United Nations Common System; visit www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances for further information.
UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed and up-to-date CV/resume, as well as a cover letter explaining their interest in and suitability for this position, to: landersson@unicef.org (email subject “Application Staff Counsellor TA”) by 22 August 2013.
