Clinical Psychologist: Trauma, Victim Protection and Legal Testimony

The Clinical Psychologist will provide dedicated, trauma-informed psychological evaluation, specialized clinical interventions, and long-term therapeutic care to survivors of human trafficking (VoTs).

Operating as a core full-time staff member across the organisation's residential facilities, the Clinical Psychologist manages complex PTSD, torture recovery and acute psychiatric crises. The role combines direct psychological care, forensic expert witness testimony in court proceedings, tool development, staff capacity building, and mental health mapping. Reporting jointly to the Shelter Manager (for daily operations) and the Programme Lead (for clinical governance and strategic alignment), the Clinical Psychologist also serves as the Acting Shelter Manager during the manager’s absence.

All clinical notes, diagnostic evaluations, and referral tracking must be documented in the organisation's Case Management System (CMS) in compliance with Kenyan data protection laws. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Clinical Assessment, Testing & Diagnosis:

○ Administer psychometric and psychological tests to diagnose psychological disorders, complex trauma, severe depression, anxiety, dissociation, and psychosis among survivors. ○ Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to migration histories, linguistic backgrounds, and cultural contexts. ○ Support survivors directly in defining their recovery plans and personal goals, monitoring their progress through regular, structured therapy sessions.

• Expert Witness & Legal Testimony:

○ Pre-Court Preparation: Conduct psychological court-readiness assessments and trauma- informed pre-trial preparation for survivor-witnesses. Explain courtroom procedures, manage anxiety/re-traumatization triggers, and build coping mechanisms prior to law enforcement interviews (DCI) or judicial hearings. ○ Post-Court Debriefing & Stabilization: Provide immediate post-testimony psychological debriefing, crisis intervention, and emotional stabilization following court sessions or legal depositions to mitigate secondary trauma and distress. ○ Prepare independent, court-admissible psychological evaluation reports and medico- legal assessments for victim-survivors involved in legal proceedings.

○ Appear in Kenyan judicial courts as an expert witness to testify on trauma, capacity, post- traumatic stress, and the psychological impact of human trafficking under the Evidence Act (Cap. 80). ● Crisis Intervention & Referral Coordination:

○ Provide immediate crisis intervention in situations requiring urgent psychological treatment, including 24/7 on-call emergency response for suicidal ideation or acute psychiatric crises. ○ Support in mapping out recognized external mental health facilities and specialized psychiatric centres for complex referral needs. ○ Follow up systematically with referral points and partner facilities to ensure seamless, multi-disciplinary care. ● Case Management System (CMS) Documentation & Confidentiality: ○ Document all therapy sessions, assessments, and progress notes in line with policies and procedures regarding mental health records, utilizing the organisation's Case Management System (CMS).

○ Enforce strict confidentiality standards and zero-tolerance compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019) regarding survivor medical data. ● Case Management & Shelter Leadership: ○ Actively participate in multi-disciplinary case management meetings with social workers, protection officers, and legal teams. ○ Step in as Acting Shelter Manager during the Shelter Manager's absence, overseeing facility operations, emergency triage, staff shifts, and security protocols. ○ Co-report to the Programme Lead on clinical program strategy, cross-shelter standardization, critical incidents, and program targets.

• Capacity Building, Research & Tool Development:

○ Conduct psychological trainings for shelter staff, social workers, interpreters, and survivors to foster trauma-informed care and self-care strategies. ○ Develop standardized psychological tools, screening instruments, and training manuals tailored for human trafficking survivors and cross-border protection context. ○ Keep track of emerging issues concerning mental health and trauma, building on evidence-based interventions to continuously upgrade shelter clinical services. ○ Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by management. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from an accredited university (Mandatory requirement).
• Professional Licensing: Active registration and valid practicing license from the Counsellors and Psychologists Board (CPB), with membership of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) or an equivalent professional body. ● Legal & Forensic Training: Demonstrated experience or training in psychological testing, medico- legal report writing, and giving expert witness testimony in court, added advantage
• Vetting & Clearances: Valid Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance) from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and clean child protection/safeguarding background check.
• Experience: Minimum 4–5 years of post-qualification clinical experience, with at least 2 years directly treating refugees, Survivors of human trafficking, GBV survivors, or survivors of torture. ● System & Technical Skills: Proven proficiency in psychometric tool administration and digital case management systems (experience with a protection or GBV case management system preferred). ● Languages: Professional fluency in English and Swahili. Working knowledge of Horn of Africa languages (Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, or Somali) is an added advantage.
• References: Submission of three (3) professional clinical or management references attesting to clinical competence, tool development experience, court testimony capability, and ethical standards. EMPLOYMENT TERMS & STATUTORY BENEFITS (KENYAN LABOR LAW)
• Working Hours: Full-time engagement (40–52 hours per week) with rotating shift/on-call coverage for shelter emergency intakes, management coverage, and scheduled court appearances. ● Statutory Deductions: Direct payroll remittances for PAYE income tax (KRA), NSSF, and Social Health Authority (SHA/SHIF). ● Leave Entitlements: Paid annual leave (minimum 21 working days per complete year), statutory sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave under the Employment Act of Kenya.
• Workplace Protection: Comprehensive medical insurance cover and Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) coverage provided by the organization.

Apply through Dira HR Solutions' online application form and select this position. The full job description is linked from the form. Dira and its client never charge candidates any fee. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.