Psychosocial Counsellors (Kabul, Afghanistan)

Position Summary:

The Psychosocial Counsellors are primarily responsible for providing psychosocial counselling to the project beneficiaries and targeted communities, management of GBV cases, referrals and follow up, PSS awareness raising, liaison with health clinic staff and other stakeholders.

Major Area of Responsibilities:

• Identify a space in the health facility suitable for counselling ensuring patient’s privacy and comfort
• Develop liaison with the health clinic staff, CHWs and community elders to ensure referral of patients with mental health /psychosocial problems from the community and from the clinic to the psychosocial counsellor
• Conduct screening of patients with symptoms of mental/psychosocial problems including GBV survivors and conduct intake interviews and assessment
• Develop care plans, provide counselling and closely monitor and document the progress of the patient
• Provide individual and group psychosocial counselling to the project beneficiaries
• Set up a monitoring system to evaluate the effectiveness and the impact of the planned individual and group psychological support on the beneficiaries.
• Prepare and maintain accurate patients clinical records and ensure it is kept confidential and accessible only to authorized staff
• Prepare case abstract and  facilitate referrals of patients to specialized services when required
• Organize awareness raising sessions on mental health, stress management and coping strategies with vulnerable population in the targeted communities
• Engage men and women in the community discussions on women rights, prevention of GBV and disability inclusion
• Identify and manage GBV cases and provide referrals to external service providers if necessary
• Conduct training for other local actors and community members on psychological first aid (PFA) identification and referral of persons in need of psychosocial support
• Prepare and submit weekly/monthly progress report of the activities to line manager

Additional Job Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities set out above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out additional duties from time to time which are reasonable in relation to their level of skills and experience.

Report to:

• Program Manager-Health (1st line supervisor)
• Senior Program Manager (2nd line supervisor)

Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V is a German non-governmental organisation dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. The Federal Headquarters are based in Berlin, Germany. Johanniter International Assistance is the operational unit for humanitarian aid, development co-operation and emergency relief, implementing and supporting mostly health projects worldwide. Johanniter is operational in Afghanistan since 2002 providing health services to IDPs, returnees and host communities.

• Relevant University degree and work experience
• Able to speak/write in English, Pashto and Dari with clarity and ease.
• Strength in interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Compassionate and caring
• Calm and cool-headed with positive attitude
• Flexibility and willingness to change work practices and hours
• Ability to work under pressure
• Cooperative and helpful attitude and willingness to work outside normal business hours when required
• Demonstrated extensive  experience working with vulnerable people including People with Disabilities and GBV survivors
• Familiarity with the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health  and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings
• Good understanding of  mental health and psychosocial support needs of IDPs in Afghanistan

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS REQUIRED:

Accountability:

• holds self- accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling JUH mission and values
• holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved

Collaboration:

• builds and maintains effective relationships with the team, colleagues, external partners and supporters
• values diversity, and sees it as a source of competitive strength
• approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

• develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• willing to take disciplined risks

Integrity:

• honest, encourages openness and transparency
• demonstrates the highest ethical standards

Applications for this position (including a cover letter, CV, reference contacts of 3 former supervisors should be sent to:  maryam.wahab@thejohanniter.org on or before 30 April 2021

Please indicate “Psychosocial Counsellor JUH 0051” in the subject line of your email otherwise, your application will not be considered. 

Submission Email
maryam.wahab@thejohanniter.org