MHPSS Counselor (Female)

Afghanistan Relief and Sustainable Development Organization (ARSDO) is a national, non-profit development organization established in 2017 and registered with the Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan (Registration No. 4190). ARSDO has a strong grassroots presence and extensive experience in designing and implementing community-based development and humanitarian interventions across Afghanistan.

ARSDO works through a three-pronged strategy: 1. Community Organization and Inclusion: Strengthening grassroots community institutions with a strong focus on inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. 2. Capacity Strengthening: Enhancing the knowledge, skills, and capacities of local communities to actively participate as co-implementers in addressing existing and emerging social, economic, and humanitarian challenges. 3. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocating for improved justice, policy reforms, and the development of laws and strategies to combat social, economic, and rights-based challenges at local, national, and international levels.

ARSDO implements multi-sectoral programs including Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Humanitarian Response, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Construction, combining advocacy with quality service delivery.

Job Purpose:

To provide psychosocial counseling and support to individuals affected by conflict, trauma, gender-based violence, and other stress-related conditions, in accordance with national mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) guidelines and ARSDO/MoPH standards

Key Responsibilities:

·       Provide individual and group counseling sessions to clients affected by trauma, violence, or social distress.

·       Conduct screening and assessments for mental health and psychosocial issues.

·       Raise awareness and provide psychoeducation on trauma, coping, and stress management.

·       Maintain confidentiality and ensure culturally sensitive communication.

·       Work closely with the database team to ensure accurate and quality reporting.

·       Support community awareness sessions on mental health and psychosocial well-being.

·       Participate in developing referral pathways and coordination with related health and protection actors.

·       Attend supervision, debriefing, and self-care activities as required.

·       Participate in meetings, workshops, and trainings to strengthen knowledge and practice.

·       Perform any other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree or diploma in psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, or other relevant fields.

·       Previous experience working as a counselor or in related community-based programs.

·       Strong communication and interpersonal skills in Pashto and Dari (verbal and written).

·       Familiarity with local cultural and community structures.

·       Ability to work independently and in a mobile team environment.

·       Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

·       Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.

·       Competent in report writing and filing

Competencies:

·       Strong counseling and listening skills.

·       Empathy and ability to build trust with clients.

·       Good teamwork and coordination abilities.

·       Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.

·       Time management and organizational skills.

·       Ability to handle stress and challenging situations professionally.

·       Commitment to ARSDO’s mission and humanitarian values

·       Working Conditions:

·       Based in the assigned health facility or mobile health team.

·       Frequent field visits and outreach sessions may be required.

·       May face emotionally challenging situations while counseling clients.

·       Standard working hours according to ARSDO HR policy.

·       Female and male applicants are equally encouraged to apply

PSEA

The ARSDO maintains a strict policy of zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). All employees are required to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and respect. Any violation of these principles will be subject to disciplinary action, and staff are encouraged to report concerns through established reporting channels.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their applications the instructions below:
Through link: https://forms.gle/XWjhHFEsPCeXBGdDA 
Required documents:
Updated CV 
Cover letter (briefly explaining suitability for the position)
File format:
Documents must be submitted in PDF and word format
Application deadline:
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.