The Psychosocial Support Counselor will play a pivotal role in providing culturally sensitive psychosocial support and case management services to vulnerable women and girls in Panjshir province. This includes offering individual counseling, conducting psycho-social assessments, coordinating referrals, and promoting mental health awareness. The position will work closely with the Project Manager and Provincial Coordinator to implement structured psychosocial activities, skills-building sessions, and community engagement initiatives in collaboration with local partners.
Key Responsibilities
Psychosocial Support Services
- Conduct individual and group counseling sessions tailored to address trauma recovery, stress management, and overall psychosocial well-being.
- Conduct regular awareness raising sessions on MHPSS.
- Maintain proper record with full details of the conducted sessions.
- Fill/submit monthly statistics form and reports to provincial officer to finalize the data into the report hub.
- Report on the weekly, monthly and quarterly basis to immediate supervisor.
- Provide crisis intervention and emotional support for individuals experiencing acute distress or mental health crises.
- Design and implement personalized psychosocial support plans that align with the needs, cultural norms, and resilience capacities of beneficiaries.
- Facilitate psycho-educational workshops on emotional regulation, stress coping strategies, and resilience-building.
Assessment and Case Management
- Perform initial psychosocial assessments, follow up regularly to monitor progress, and adjust interventions as needed.
- Maintain detailed, confidential case records in accordance with ethical standards and organizational guidelines.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop holistic and integrated care plans for beneficiaries.
Capacity Building and Training
- Conduct training sessions for staff and community volunteers on psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support techniques.
- Advocate for and support the inclusion of psychosocial considerations in broader program and community-based activities.
Networking and Referral Coordination
- Build and sustain effective referral pathways with health facilities, social service providers, and community organizations.
- Coordinate referrals for individuals requiring specialized mental health services, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Regularly assess the impact of psychosocial support activities through beneficiary feedback and case reviews.
- Prepare concise, accurate reports on psychosocial activities, challenges, and achievements for internal and external stakeholders.
- Document lessons learned and best practices to enhance the quality and scope of psychosocial support programs.
Ethical and Professional Standards
- Uphold the highest ethical principles, confidentiality, and respect for beneficiary rights in all interactions.
- Adhere to professional counseling and mental health guidelines, ensuring interventions comply with HHWO’s policies and donor regulations.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Promote awareness of mental health and psychosocial well-being among community leaders, beneficiaries, and local authorities.
- Advocate for the integration of mental health services into broader humanitarian and development initiatives.
Continuous Professional Development
- Stay abreast of emerging best practices, research, and advancements in psychosocial support and mental health fields.
- Participate in relevant workshops, training, and supervision to enhance personal and professional capabilities.
Organizational Responsibilities
Policy Adherence
- Commit to and uphold HHWO’s Code of Conduct, ensuring all activities align with humanitarian principles and international standards.
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
- Promote PSEA standards across all interactions and ensure beneficiaries are informed about their rights and protections.
Compliance & Ethics
- Demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior and compliance with organizational and donor guidelines.
Safeguarding
- Protect vulnerable populations from exploitation, abuse, neglect, and trafficking in all activities and programs.
