Consultant, Clinical Psychologist, Brain and Mind Institute

Consultant- Clinical Psychologist

Department

Brian and Mind Institute, East Africa

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) is a trans-AKU entity that seeks to build capacity in the domains of mental health and neuroscience. In collaboration with partners, the Institute is advancing research leadership capacity and support service delivery across East Africa and South Asia, and other regions served by the AKU. The Institute supports a hub for scholarship exchange and action on mental health issues, as well as educational, clinical, and community-based programs. BMI’s research focuses on the context of today’s youth in Africa and South Asia, while our programmatic offerings address mental health related and brain health issues, including stigma and resiliency. A significant area of interest is the implementation of science-based programing in hospital and community settings that translate new discoveries into prevention and treatment programs.

Purpose of Assignment

The Study Clinical Psychologist will provide psychological support to caregivers of people living with dementia by facilitating online and in-person support sessions, identifying and referring participants experiencing distress, and supporting caregiver wellbeing throughout the study.

Terms of Reference

• Facilitate post module one-hour online discussions forums with care partners, five sessions for each of the four cohorts of family caregiver training groups.

• Facilitate 4 in person sessions education and support group meeting with care partners of people with dementia

• Provide psychological support for participants during online and in person discussion forums

• Refer participants who might express distress to further psychological support services

• Provide first-line psychological support to caregivers who present with distress during sessions.

• Submit weekly summary reports on cohort engagement, sessions delivered, and any distress cases identified and managed.

• Support monitoring, evaluation, and any ethics/safeguarding reporting requirements related to caregiver wellbeing.

• Maintain a session calendar and ensure continuity of sessions across all cohorts for the duration of the study.

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in clinical psychology/ closely related psychology discipline  

• Registered/licensed Clinical Psychologist in Kenya.

Relevant Experience.

• At least 2 years’ relevant experience in psychological support and group facilitation.

• Experience working with caregivers, older adults, or people affected by dementia is an advantage.

• Ability to identify distress, provide first-line psychological support, and make appropriate referrals.

• Strong communication, documentation, and safeguarding skills.