Psychosocial Counselor

Organization for Promotion of Health & Community Development (OPHCD) is a nongovernmental, non-political and independent organization. OPHCD has been established in 2017 and registered with the NGOs Department of the Ministry of Economy with license #4160. In addition, the organization has membership of Afghanistan National Health Cluster, Afghanistan National Nutrition Cluster and ACBAR. OPHCD strives for the well-being of the people through promotion of health, education, WASH, protection and human rights, economic stability and sustainable development of communities, with a focus on women, children, drug users, IDPs and other marginalized groups.

Purpose of the Role

The Psychosocial Counselor is responsible for providing confidential, respectful and client-centered psychosocial support and counseling services to individuals and families, particularly women, children and other vulnerable or marginalized groups. The position will support clients to cope with emotional, psychological and social difficulties, identify protection and mental health concerns, provide appropriate counseling and referrals, and contribute to a safe and supportive environment in accordance with OPHCD policies, relevant MoPH guidance and accepted humanitarian principles.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

·       Provide individual and, where appropriate, group psychosocial counseling sessions in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.

·       Conduct initial client assessments to identify psychosocial needs, risks, strengths and appropriate support options.

·       Develop and implement appropriate counseling and psychosocial support plans based on individual client needs.

·       Provide basic psychological first aid and supportive counseling to clients experiencing distress, grief, anxiety, family or social difficulties.

·       Identify clients requiring specialized mental health, protection, medical or other services and make appropriate referrals through established referral pathways.

·       Follow up referred clients, where appropriate and with informed consent, while maintaining confidentiality and accurate documentation.

·       Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date records of counseling sessions, referrals, follow-ups and service statistics using approved tools.

·       Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, dignity and the best interests of clients are respected at all times.

·       Support awareness and community-based activities related to psychosocial well-being, stress management, positive coping mechanisms and available support services.

·       Coordinate appropriately with health, protection and community teams to ensure holistic support for clients while respecting confidentiality.

·       Participate in case discussions, team meetings, trainings and technical supervision as required.

·       Identify protection concerns, including risks of violence, exploitation, abuse or neglect, and follow established safeguarding and referral procedures.

·       Provide timely feedback to the line manager on service delivery challenges, gaps and emerging needs without disclosing unnecessary confidential client information.

·       Prepare and submit regular activity reports and contribute to monthly and other required reports.

·       Support capacity-building or awareness sessions for relevant staff and community workers on basic psychosocial support and referral mechanisms.

·       Perform any other relevant task assigned by the line manager.

Capacity Building and Training

The Psychosocial Counselor will participate in relevant trainings, coaching, supervision and professional development activities to strengthen counseling, psychosocial support, safeguarding, communication, referral and case-management skills. The position will also share relevant learning with team members and community workers when requested.

A. Education:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Mental Health or a related field from a recognized university.

·       Relevant professional training or certification in psychosocial counseling, psychological first aid, mental health, case management or related areas is an advantage.

·       Training in PSEA/SEA, safeguarding, GBV, child protection or other relevant humanitarian standards is an advantage.

B. Experience:

·       At least 3-year working experience in BPHS or non-BPHS government health clinics

• Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications through the email address mentioned in the Submission Guidelines section. Please clearly mention the Position Title and Vacancy Number in the subject line of your email.
• OPHCD has a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse (SEA).
• By applying for this position, you agree to comply with all OPHCD policies regarding Data Protection and Sharing, as well as PSEAH.

• Note: Only local residents will be preferred