HHWO is a humanitarian and development non-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 2014 with the slogan “We are here to serve humanity” and operates around Afghanistan.

At HHWO, we envision to build a future in which all Afghans regardless of their gender, age, race, ethnicity, or religion, experience a life of dignity and comfort, free from hunger, poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, violence, and backwardness.

Our overall mission is to eliminate hunger, reduce poverty, provide and promote social civic services (health care, education, WASH…), promote gender equality/equity, provide women and child empowerment assistance, and promote a sustainable household and local economy via livelihood interventions and the design and implementation of development programs.

Position Summary

The Psychosocial Support Counselor will play a pivotal role in providing culturally sensitive psychosocial support and case management services to vulnerable women and girls in Panjshir province. This includes offering individual counseling, conducting psycho-social assessments, coordinating referrals, and promoting mental health awareness. The position will work closely with the Project Manager and Provincial Coordinator to implement structured psychosocial activities, skills-building sessions, and community engagement initiatives in collaboration with local partners.

Key Responsibilities

Psychosocial Support Services

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions tailored to address trauma recovery, stress management, and overall psychosocial well-being.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support for individuals experiencing acute distress or mental health crises.
• Design and implement personalized psychosocial support plans that align with the needs, cultural norms, and resilience capacities of beneficiaries.
• Facilitate psycho-educational workshops on emotional regulation, stress coping strategies, and resilience-building.

Assessment and Case Management

• Perform initial psychosocial assessments, follow up regularly to monitor progress, and adjust interventions as needed.
• Maintain detailed, confidential case records in accordance with ethical standards and organizational guidelines.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop holistic and integrated care plans for beneficiaries.

Capacity Building and Training

• Conduct training sessions for staff and community volunteers on psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support techniques.
• Advocate for and support the inclusion of psychosocial considerations in broader program and community-based activities.

Networking and Referral Coordination

• Build and sustain effective referral pathways with health facilities, social service providers, and community organizations.
• Coordinate referrals for individuals requiring specialized mental health services, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Regularly assess the impact of psychosocial support activities through beneficiary feedback and case reviews.
• Prepare concise, accurate reports on psychosocial activities, challenges, and achievements for internal and external stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to enhance the quality and scope of psychosocial support programs.

Ethical and Professional Standards

• Uphold the highest ethical principles, confidentiality, and respect for beneficiary rights in all interactions.
• Adhere to professional counseling and mental health guidelines, ensuring interventions comply with HHWO’s policies and donor regulations.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Promote awareness of mental health and psychosocial well-being among community leaders, beneficiaries, and local authorities.
• Advocate for the integration of mental health services into broader humanitarian and development initiatives.

Continuous Professional Development

• Stay abreast of emerging best practices, research, and advancements in psychosocial support and mental health fields.
• Participate in relevant workshops, training, and supervision to enhance personal and professional capabilities.

Organizational Responsibilities

Policy Adherence

• Commit to and uphold HHWO’s Code of Conduct, ensuring all activities align with humanitarian principles and international standards.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

• Promote PSEA standards across all interactions and ensure beneficiaries are informed about their rights and protections.

Compliance & Ethics

• Demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior and compliance with organizational and donor guidelines.

Safeguarding

• Protect vulnerable populations from exploitation, abuse, neglect, and trafficking in all activities and programs.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Study, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of proven experience in providing psychosocial counseling and support, preferably in humanitarian or development settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and psychological first aid.
• Experience in conducting assessments and developing tailored support plans.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and counseling skills, with the ability to establish trust with diverse beneficiary groups.
• Comprehensive understanding of Panjshir’s cultural and social dynamics, particularly as they relate to mental health and gender.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards in psychosocial support.

Languages:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English, Farsi-Dari, and/or Pashto is required.

Location:

• Panjshir Province (Paryan and Khenj Districts)

• Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to hr.hhwo@gmail.com..
• Please include the Job Title and Vacancy Number in the subject line of your email.
• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.