Community Liaison for Interpersonal Psychotherapy

BACKGROUND

Global Programs for Research and Training is registered as an international NGO in Kenya, wholly owned and affiliated to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

The SMART DAPPER trial is composed of a Sequential, Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) for non-specialist treatment of common mental disorders in Kenya and will leverage the Depression and Primary care Partnership for Effectiveness Implementation Research (DAPPER). The project is in partnership with University of Nairobi, University of California San Francisco and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

Global Programs for Research & Training is seeking a qualified Community Liaison for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). This position will require one-year commitment, with potential for extension at the end of the period, subject to funding availability.

The Community Liaison for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) will work under the direct supervision of the Lead Study Coordinator.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Kisumu County Regional Hospital (KCRH):
• Work with the Outpatient Mental Health committee at KCRH to consult on and support the continued use of IPT at KCRH.
• Provide assistance connecting KCRH to appropriate study trained IPT therapists and providing supervision to that group.
• Provide Continuing Medical Education to facility staff on screening for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and IPT.
• In addition, or alternatively, the IPT Liaison may work with an NGO to help facilitate an arrangement with KCRH in which the NGO supports part of the IPT therapist cost.
• Outside KCRH:
• Meet with facility leadership at JOORTH and Lumumba Sub-County Hospital to discuss hiring and training IPT therapists for their site. Support their efforts to do so.
• Other sites – Work with Kisumu County leaders to identify other appropriate venues for use of IPT and work with those venues to match them with our trained IPT therapists and support the program launch.
• Work with the SMART DAPPER team and investigators as you develop IPT community liaison plans and provide updates during weekly SMART DAPPER meetings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma in psychology, counseling or social sciences
• Experience working with Kisumu County and health facility leadership
• Experience with both didactic instruction (course, workshop) and supervision of IPT
• Excellent English
• High-level interpersonal skills including high emotional intelligence with strong empathy
• Ability to establish rapport with diverse people and productively lead teams is key.
• Attention to detail, top-notch organizational skills, ability to proactively identify and solve problems
• High-level computer and internet skills with daily access to internet
• Cell phone coverage in the evening (e.g., at residence) is strongly preferred to facilitate international communication across different time zones.