MHPSS Counsellor

Job Description

Title: MHPSS Counsellor

Company Name: Uttaran

Vacancy: 1

Age: At least 21 years

Job Location: Cox`s Bazar

Salary: Tk. 40000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• At least 1 year
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology

• At least 1 year
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Age At least 21 years

• Minimum 1 years of work experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) intervention or health programs.

• Strong understanding mental health and government health system

• Proven experience in psychosocial counselling, support in positive parenting, screening, referral, early child hood care.

Job Location: Matamuhuri (Coxsbazar)

Job Context

• Uttaran is an NGO working in Bangladesh since 1985 to uphold rights and entitlements and to improve the socio-economic condition of the poor and disadvantaged community people. Uttaran is a people-centered organization using a rights-based approach to alleviate poverty, diversify livelihood opportunities and empower poor communities of Bangladesh.

• Uttaran invites applications for the vacant position titled- “MHPSS Counsellor” for the "LIV: Life-Saving Integrated Support for Vulnerable Flood-Affected Communities in Matamuhuri, Cox’s Bazar District

• Reports to: Project Coordinator

Key Responsibilities:

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 Adolescent girl . 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, community volunteers, and government health service providers to ensure integrated, quality, and confidential care.

Objective 1: Assessment and Identification of MHPSS need

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of PLWs, caregivers, and adolescent girl 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 and early childhood development

• Conduct Relaxation session for stress relief

• Deliver one-on-one counselling sessions to PLWs, Adolescent girl, 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 psychosocial first aid, 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.

Other Responsiilities

● Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Coordinator to ensure effective project implementation.

Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively with communities and diverse stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Skilled in participatory methods and adaptive learning approaches.

• Proficient in Bangla and English (spoken and written).

• Competent in MS Office, GIS, and data visualization software.

• As per Uttaran’s Policy and Project Design.