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 social worker and 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 counseling 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 well followed, 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 CDB projects and its activities.
- Make sure 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
Child Protection
- Child Protection: Use observation skills to detect any behavioral changes or specific vulnerability in children that may be reason for concern and share these observations with immediate supervisor and social workers team at joint weekly staff meetings to determine appropriate responses.
- Insure that all child protection related activities are in line with child protection minimum relevant standards, and enhance program / activities based on CPMS
Safeguarding Policy ( Global Code of Conduct)
- Global Code of Conduct ( GCC ) Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP), Policy on the Protection from sexual exploitation and Abuse ( PSEA ) , Directive on staff misconduct at workplace and GBV, Operational Risk Management: Undertake to adhere to the Terre des hommes safeguarding policy and the principles connected to children's rights
- Undertake to ensure the best possible practical implementation of the safeguarding policy (Global Code of conduct ) and the management of operational risks in his/her area of intervention and within his/her team.
- Make sure all volunteers , visitors sign / understand Tdh Global code of conduct at a glance and my commitment to child safeguarding.
Safety & Security
- Conduct field visits with the consent of line manager who check the security of the area prior.
- Report instantly if you observe any security threat , heard any report any suspicion , rumors about the safety of the staff and its beneficiaries
- Strictly follow Tdh security policy and regional security plan.
- Ensure and facilitate prompt sharing of information and action on all events relating to security issues
Competencies:
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Clinical & Technical Competencies
- Having basic counselling Skills: Active listening, empathy, confidentiality.
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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.
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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.
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Collaboration & Referral Competencies
- Integration with Health Services: Working closely with doctors, midwives, nurses, and CHWs in the BHC.
