MHPSS Counsellor

Job Description

Title: MHPSS Counsellor

Company Name: Society for Health Extension and Development (SHED)

Vacancy: 01

Age: At most 35 years

Job Location: Cox`s Bazar (Ukhia)

Salary: Tk. 36400 (Monthly)

Experience:

• At least 1 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Bachelor of Science (BSc)

• BSc in psychology / MSc in Clinical Social Work.

• At least 1 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Age At most 35 years
• Only Female

EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Minimum 1 years of work experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) intervention or health programs.
• Strong understanding of mental health and the government health system
• Proven experience in psychosocial counselling, support in positive parenting, screening, referral, and early childhood care.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

• Flexibility and creativity
• Team player with strong capacity for patient handling
• Training and staff capacity development skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Knowledge of informatics: Word, Excel 

The Society for Health Extension and Development (SHED), a national NGO dedicated to serving communities in Cox's Bazar and Noakhali, is currently looking for experienced professionals. We are implementing a multi-sectoral project, "Improve access to lifesaving nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to reduce vulnerability and health risks among Rohingya refugees and host populations in Cox’s Bazar," with support from ACF. This project, which is funded by CDCS, will be active from September 2025 to June 30, 2026. We invite applications from qualified candidates for the position listed below:

Job Title: MHPSS Counsellor (Female) (Full Time)

Job Location/Base: Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar

Reports to: Project Coordinator

Contract Duration: Up to June 2026

The MHPSS Counsellor will be responsible for providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to pregnant and lactating women (PLWs), caregivers of children under five, and other at-risk populations. The role will include assessment, counselling, referral, and follow-up of individuals with psychosocial distress, in line with national MHPSS guidelines. The counsellor will work closely with midwives, nurses, community volunteers, and health service providers to ensure integrated, quality, and confidential care.

Responsibilities

Objective 1: Assessment and Identification of MHPSS need

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of PLWs, caregivers, and at-risk individuals at health facilities.
• Identify signs of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and other common mental health concerns.
• Collaborate with Midwife and volunteers to ensure early identification and referrals.

Objective 2: Provide mental health and psychosocial Support service

• Nurturing care, early childhood development, Early stimulation and Baby Massage
• Conduct Relaxation session for stress relief of mother.
• Deliver one-on-one counselling sessions to PLWs, caregivers, and vulnerable individuals.
• Provide psychoeducation to caregivers and their families to improve awareness and coping strategies.
• Conduct group sessions when appropriate to strengthen social support and community resilience.

 Objective 3: Referral and Linkage

• Refer individuals with severe or specialized mental health conditions to appropriate higher-level services or specialized care providers.
• Establish and maintain a functional referral pathway in coordination with government and partner organizations.
• Follow up on referred cases to ensure continuity of care.

Objective 4: Capacity Building and Awareness

• Support training and orientation of community volunteers and health service providers on basic psychosocial support and identification of distress.
• Participate in awareness-raising activities on mental health, self-care, and stigma reduction.
• Strengthen community-based coping mechanisms through regular engagement with families and caregivers.

Objective 5: Documentation, Reporting, and Accountability

• Maintain confidential case records and counselling notes in line with organizational and national standards.
• Submit timely reports on sessions conducted, referrals made, and progress achieved.
• Ensure accountability to affected populations by adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and informed consent principles.