Job Porpuse
The MHPSS Counselor will provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services under the SHIFA EOM Project at designated health facilities, following the national mental health guidance of the Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health. The role focuses on delivering psychosocial counselling, psychological first aid, and trauma support to children, adolescents, and adults, including vulnerable populations. The counselor will conduct individual and group counselling sessions, assess and identify beneficiaries needing mental health support, maintain case plans, and ensure proper follow-up and referral to specialized services. The position also supports community awareness, staff stress management training, and accurate documentation of MHPSS activities.
Major Responsibilities
1. Psychosocial Assessment and Case Identification
• Conduct intake assessment and identify clients requiring mental health and psychosocial support services.
• Screen children, adolescents, youth, and adults for psychosocial distress and common mental health concerns.
• Identify trauma-related stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychosocial difficulties.
2. Psychosocial Counselling Services
• Provide individual psychosocial counselling sessions for identified beneficiaries.
• Conduct group counselling sessions for children, adolescents, youth, and caregivers when appropriate.
• Provide psychological first aid (PFA) to trauma survivors and vulnerable clients.
3. Case Management and Follow-up
• Develop basic case plans based on identified mental health and psychosocial needs.
• Monitor client recovery progress and update case documentation regularly.
• Follow up with clients receiving psychosocial counselling services.
4. Referral Services
• Refer severe or complicated mental health cases to specialized health services or higher-level facilities.
• Coordinate referrals for:
- Advanced mental health counselling
- Medical treatment when required
- Protection or social support services
5. Community Awareness and Outreach Support
• Support community awareness activities on mental health and psychosocial well-being.
• Work with outreach workers, community leaders, and health shuras to promote mental health awareness.
6. Staff and Community Capacity Support
• Provide basic psychosocial well-being and stress management information to facility staff when needed.
• Support capacity building and awareness sessions related to MHPSS.
7. Documentation and Reporting
• Maintain confidential client records and secure storage of case files.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly activity reports.
• Document counselling sessions, follow-up activities, and referral outcomes.
8. Safeguarding and Ethical Practice
• Ensure client confidentiality and adhere to child and adult safeguarding standards.
• Respect cultural, ethical, and professional counselling principles.
Other
- Adhere to WV Child and Adult Safeguarding policy and standards.
- Adhere to WV accountability standards.
- To be aware and prepared to implement WV Afghanistan Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs plan under the context of (AHF) interventions.
