MPHSS Counsellor

World Vision International (WVI) began emergency relief operations in Afghanistan in 2001 by addressing the urgent needs of children and families affected by natural disasters and decades of conflict. More than a decade later, World Vision Afghanistan’s (WVA) programs have expanded to development sectors such as health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, and education, empowering women to engage in civil and social change through interfaith partnership.

WVA targets the most vulnerable in its interventions; including children, women, Internally Displace Persons (IDPs), and returnee refugees, as well as the most impoverished and marginalized families. These priorities have been chosen to contribute to our Goal of: “Improved survival and well-being of Afghan girls and boys, building the foundations for a better future for Afghan children and their communities.” 

Our work is well established in Herat, Badghis, Ghor, and Faryab provinces in the western region of Afghanistan. We work closely with all levels of society including children, parents, teachers, village councils, religious leaders, ministries, provincial departments, and other national and international agencies.

Job Porpuse

The MHPSS Counselor will provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services under the 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 interventions.

Required Professional Experience and Education 

• At least 1 year of professional experience working as a PSS/MHPSS Counselor in BPHS, EPHS, NGO/INGO-supported clinics, or equivalent health programs.

• Practical experience in providing psychosocial counselling, psychological first aid, and basic mental health support is highly preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a recognized university preferred

• other health workers with training in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), psychological counselling, or psychological first aid is highly desirable.

Preferred Knowledge

• Language’s empowerment (Dari – Pashto)
• Communication skills and knowledge of local communities
• Flexibility for work.

• Ability to do the triage method