Job Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the Project Officer, the MHPSS Counsellor is responsible for the identification of the most vulnerable children for Mental Health and psychosocial support as per defined selection criteria, with close collaboration of the social worker and the social Animator.
- Ensure that the goals and objectives of the MHPSS are met as per the project proposal and work plan.
- Ensure the implementation and promotion of mental health and psychosocial support activities at the community level.
- Provide individual counselling and maintain confidentiality during service provision.
- Provision of quality MHPSS first aid service according to MHPSS national protocols.
- Collaborate with the Social Animators in the field and /or SWs for case management.
- Assess MHPS case's need for referral as per the referral criteria and ensure that the referral system is followed well, and obstacles are reported and discussed with the line manager to solve them.
- Identify major stressors for women and children in the community.
- Promoting psychological well-being and participation and strengthening coordination with other service providers for better MHPSS intervention and referrals.
- Regular updates and reports are shared with the line manager.
- The beneficiaries are well aware of Tdh and AHF projects and their activities.
- Make sure that during the beneficiaries' selection, as per the defined selection criteria.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide mental health and psychosocial support as part of the fixed health facility.
- Provide mental health and case management services,
- Identify, establish, and strengthen referral pathways for clients to ensure they are linked to needed services
- Provide individual and group psychosocial support sessions.
- support people to cope better and enhance their resilience in their daily life.
- support beneficiaries to resume their normal lives and mental well-being.
- Meet community-identified mental health needs through comprehensive Mental Health Case Management.
- Facilitate awareness sessions on services available and facilitate referrals
- Prepare and deliver training for the purposes of capacity-building on psychosocial support, including PFA and case management training, where appropriate
- Will link the clients with general practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to support clients in need of MHPSS through the referral, diagnosis, and treatment process
- Ensure all aspects of work are in line with Tdh MHPSS intervention guidelines, key aspects of Psychological First Aid (PFA), and relevant aspects of the IASC guidelines
- To develop the reports of MHPSS services and submit to the supervisor on a regular basis
- Conduct other MHPSS-related activities as requested
Competencies:
Clinical & Technical Competencies
- Having basic counselling Skills: Active listening, empathy, confidentiality.
- Having assessment Skills: Ability to identify common mental health problems (depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma).
- Psychological First Aid (PFA): Providing immediate emotional support in crises and emergencies.
- Case Management: Screening, documentation, referral pathways, and follow-up.
- Group & Individual Sessions: Facilitating psychoeducation, support groups, and structured counselling.
Cultural & Contextual Competencies
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding Afghan cultural, social, and religious values around mental health.
- Gender Sensitivity: Ability to work with both men and women, respecting gender norms, while supporting female clients' privacy and dignity.
Collaboration & Referral Competencies
- Integration with Health Services: Working closely with doctors, midwives, nurses, and CHWs in the BHC.
