1. Job Purpose
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Counsellor is responsible for providing high-quality psychosocial support services to vulnerable women and girls, including survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), displaced persons, returnees, and other individuals experiencing psychological distress. The Counsellor conducts individual and group counselling sessions, facilitates community-based psychosocial activities, and ensures timely referral of beneficiaries to specialized services when required.
The MHPSS Counsellor also supports data collection and reporting activities, including preparation of incident reports, participation in Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), under the direct supervision of the Protection Coordinator.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services
- Conduct individual psychosocial counselling sessions for women and girls experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychosocial concerns.
- Facilitate group counselling sessions and structured psychosocial support activities.
- Develop individualized support plans based on identified needs.
- Monitor beneficiary progress and provide follow-up sessions as necessary.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
B. Case Identification and Referral
- Identify beneficiaries requiring specialized support and make referrals to health, legal, protection, shelter, or livelihood services.
- Ensure informed consent is obtained before any referral.
- Follow up on referred cases to confirm access to services.
- Maintain and update referral pathways and contact information of service providers.
C. Incident Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare timely incident reports related to protection concerns, security issues, or critical beneficiary cases.
- Document counselling activities, referrals, and case follow-up in accordance with organizational procedures.
- Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and securely stored.
D. Community-Based Activities
- Conduct awareness sessions on mental health, stress management, coping mechanisms, and available support services.
- Support implementation of community dialogues and psychoeducation sessions.
- Participate in outreach activities to increase access to MHPSS services.
E. Assessments, KIIs, and FGDs
- Participate in Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to assess protection risks and community needs.
- Collect qualitative information related to psychosocial well-being and protection concerns.
- Provide findings and recommendations to the Protection Coordinator.
F. Coordination and Reporting
- Submit regular activity reports, case summaries, and monthly statistics.
- Coordinate closely with Protection, GBV, MEAL, and other project staff.
- Attend internal meetings, supervision sessions, and relevant trainings.
G. Safeguarding and Confidentiality
- Adhere to survivor-centered principles, including safety, confidentiality, respect, and non-discrimination.
- Comply with organizational policies on PSEA, safeguarding, code of conduct, and whistleblowing.
- Ensure all services are delivered in a culturally appropriate and gender-sensitive manner.
3. Reporting Line
The MHPSS Counsellor reports directly to the Protection Coordinator and works in close collaboration with other protection staff and relevant project teams.
