Psychosocial Counselor

As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people in over a hundred countries. We do this by focusing on our mission and living the values that drive our organization. A career at CARE is an opportunity to be part of a movement that brings communities together to solve complex problems and foster lasting change throughout the world. We seek individuals who are passionate about humanitarian and development work, collaborate well with others, embrace learning and innovation, and deliver results.

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Job Summary

Responsible for providing psychosocial support and basic mental health services to individuals and communities affected by stress, trauma, or crisis. The Psychosocial Counselor assesses clients’ psychosocial needs and delivers structured individual and group counseling sessions tailored to different age groups and vulnerabilities. The role implements appropriate psychosocial interventions to strengthen emotional well-being, resilience, and positive coping strategies. Additionally, the position promotes mental health awareness, facilitates safe and supportive spaces, and contributes to recovery, protection, and improved daily functioning of vulnerable populations in line with established MHPSS guidelines.
individual and group counselling

Key Results Expected – Psychosocial Counselor

·       Improve access for affected and vulnerable individuals to comprehensive psychosocial counseling services, including individual and group PSS support, trauma-informed care, and provision of dignity kits within the project catchment area.

·       Conduct regular Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) awareness sessions at health facilities to increase knowledge, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance of mental health services.

·       Actively encourage participation of male and female beneficiaries in individual and group counseling sessions, ensuring inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and equal access to services.

·       Establish and maintain safe, confidential, and client-friendly spaces for counseling and group activities that uphold privacy, dignity, and protection of beneficiaries.

·       Strengthen beneficiaries’ emotional well-being, resilience, and coping mechanisms through structured psychosocial interventions and continuous engagement.

·       Support early identification and referral of individuals requiring specialized mental health or protection services in coordination with relevant service providers.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Assessment and Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the psychosocial needs of patients and develop appropriate, client-centered intervention plans and counseling approaches.

·       Counseling and Support: Provide structured individual and group counseling sessions for clients experiencing trauma, stress, and mental health challenges, ensuring culturally sensitive and age-appropriate care.

·       Crisis Intervention: Respond promptly to crises and emergencies, delivering immediate psychosocial support and stabilization interventions for individuals in acute distress.

·       Education and Awareness: Educate patients and their families on mental health, coping mechanisms, stress management, and the importance of psychosocial well-being and support services.

·       Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including doctors, nurses, and other staff, to integrate psychosocial support into overall health service delivery.

·       Referral Services: Identify individuals requiring specialized mental health or protection services and facilitate timely referrals to appropriate providers, ensuring proper follow-up and continuity of care.

Additional Responsibilities – Psychosocial Counselor

Establish and utilize safe, confidential, and client-friendly spaces (room/corner) for counseling and awareness sessions, ensuring full compliance with privacy and confidentiality standards.

·       Conduct and document individual and group psychosocial counseling sessions, maintain accurate records, and support clients with appropriate services, including provision of dignity kits and referral to relevant services as needed.

·       Ensure strict confidentiality of all client information, limiting access to authorized personnel and using data solely for official purposes.

·       Identify vulnerable and at-risk individuals within internally displaced and host communities through outreach, awareness activities, health education sessions, and OPD triage.

·       Promptly report any security, protection, or unexpected issues to the line manager or project office.

·       Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of client interactions, progress notes, and care plans.

·       Engage in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote available psychosocial services.

·       Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions and adapt approaches to improve service quality and client outcomes.

Community Engagement and Protection Responsibilities

·       Collaborate with local communities and Community Mobilizers to identify and refer vulnerable and shock-affected individuals, including those from host communities and internally displaced populations (IDPs), to appropriate specialized service providers.

·       Advocate for community-based support systems to reduce stigma, prevent further harm, and promote protection of vulnerable groups through awareness-raising and health education activities.

·       Support communities in developing and adapting practical safety plans for life-threatening situations, taking into account local context, risks, and available resources.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED          5        % of time

Responsibilities on Safety and Security, Gender and Inclusion and Safeguarding and Child Protection:

 [base location] at CARE are expected to adhere to Safety & Security responsibilities, emphasizing team and individual accountability to maintain a safe environment. This includes readiness, compliance, and active engagement to mitigate risks through awareness, reporting, and policy enforcement.

 Gender equality and inclusion are fundamental at CARE, promoting equal rights and challenging discriminatory norms to achieve social justice. We foster an inclusive workplace respecting diverse gender identities, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences through dialogue, training, and diversity initiatives. All CARE staff must uphold ethical standards, following codes of conduct to prevent abuse, including sexual harassment, exploitation, and neglect. Regular monitoring ensures accountability to uphold these principles and support our mission of social justice and poverty alleviation.

• Education:

Holder of a diploma in psychosocial counseling or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a recognized institute within the country/from abroad.

At least graduate of one year registered PSS courses conducted by a reputable institute.

At least one-year experience in the provision of psychosocial counseling services.

• Proper report writing and communication skills

• A team member with ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Ability to maintain professionalism/medical ethics in services delivery and interaction with clients/visitors.

• Experience in case management including organizing individual or group counseling sessions.

• Fluency in spoken and written Dari and Pashto is a requirement.

English Language skills is a plus point.

• Please submit your completed CARE Standard Job application form (ACBAR: Application Form)  to afg.vacancies@care.org.
• Applications after the closing date (12:00 AM) and without CARE Application form will not be accepted.
• Please Indicate the position title, Vacancy Number in the Subject Line (Psychosocial Counselor, CARE-AF-1421_2026) otherwise your application will not be considered.
• Please note that there is no telephonic inquiry and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted with and call for Interview.
• The successful applicant will be expected to undergo a Background Check, Bridger check & Reference check and be compliant and sign up to Care Afghanistan’s Code of Conduct, PSHA (Prevention from Sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse) and other Care Afghanistan policies prior to a final offer being made.
• CARE IS COMMITTED TO CHILD PROTECTION POLICY (Available at:  http://bit.ly/CAREAFG_Child_Protection_Policy)

Equal Opportunity Statement

CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

MDS (Misconduct Disclosure Scheme)

CARE participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we hereby request information from the candidate’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.