Organization for Community Coordination and Development (OCCD) established and registered with Ministry of Economy in 2013, is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-political and independent organization. OCCD works in partnership with Government, development and implementing partners in Health, Education, Agriculture and Livestock, Research and Development

A Mental Health Specialist is a professional trained to diagnose, treat, and support individuals facing mental health challenges. Mental health specialists play a crucial role in improving the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals, helping them lead more fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Conducting evaluations to identify mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This involves interviews, questionnaires, and psychological testing.
• Developing personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes.
• Providing different forms of therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and group therapy to help clients manage symptoms and improve emotional well-being.
• Working with other healthcare providers, such as primary care doctors, social workers, and family members, to provide comprehensive care.
•  providing immediate assistance in mental health emergencies, such as suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or psychotic episodes.
•  Teaching coping strategies, stress management techniques, and promoting mental health awareness to prevent the escalation of mental health issues
• Support the design of community-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility, cultural appropriateness, and relevance to the target populations.

• Work closely with provincial staff to reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness.

• Certified specialization in Mental Health.
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Psychiatry or a related field is a plus.
• Post-graduate training in mental health or psychosocial support is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in mental health, with at least 2 years working in humanitarian or development settings.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating mental health programs, particularly in conflict settings or post-conflict recovery.
• Strong background in psychosocial support (PSS), psychological first aid, trauma-informed care, and counseling.
• Experience working with displaced populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable communities.
• Deep understanding of mental health challenges in emergency settings and familiarity with international mental health standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local health authorities, community members, and international organizations.
• Ability to train and mentor local staff and stakeholders to strengthen mental health systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems for mental health programs.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and in unstable environments, adapting to shifting priorities and circumstances.
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in local languages (Dari, Pashto) preferred.

 Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• High levels of empathy and a commitment to improving mental health outcomes for marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively in a field-based setting.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

           Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in a large scale of population such as RH, PH.
• Knowledge of community-based mental health models and peer support interventions.
• Training or experience in Health System Strengthening and integration of mental health services into primary health care.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes along with the cover letter to recruitment-af@occd.org.af

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WRITE THE VACANCY#, POSITION, AND PROVINCE IN THE SUBJECT OF YOUR EMAIL. NOTE: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.