Psychosocial Counselor / Advocacy Focal Person

Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal) is one of Nepal’s leading psychosocial organizations. It was established in 2005 to promote psychosocial well-being and mental health of people in conflict-affected and other vulnerable communities through the development of sustainable, culturally appropriate, and community-based psychosocial support systems.

TPO Nepal Is implementing a one-year project “The Barefoot Counselling Service to Improve Mental Wellbeing of Unpaid Family Carers in Nepal” in Bagmati Rural Municipality, Makawanpur. It aims to support unpaid family carers mostly carers. The project focuses on improving carers' mental health. Trained Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) will provide basic counselling and link carers to health services. The project also advocates for carers' rights and works to reduce stigma through community awareness.

Under the project, TPO Nepal seeks competent, committed and result oriented candidate for the following position.

Job Title: Psychosocial Counselor / Advocacy Focal Person

Duty Station: Bagmati Rural Municipality, Makwanpur

Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension)

Start Date: At the earliest

Required Qualification:

• Should have completed Bachelor Degree with 6 months of training in psychosocial counseling from a reputed institution. Post Graduate Diploma in counseling psychology or Masters in Psychology is preferrable.

Professional Experience:

• At least 2 years of experience in providing psychosocial counseling at community and health facility levels.
• Practical experience working with carers, persons with psychosocial disabilities, and vulnerable populations.
• Experience in advocacy, including working with local governments and stakeholders for service integration and policy influence.
• Experience in documentation, reporting, and client file management.
• Experience in facilitating trainings, mobilizing, and supervising FCHVs or similar community-level workers.

Required Skills:

• Strong skills in psychosocial assessment, counseling, and case management.
• Good understanding of carers’ needs and ability to advocate for their rights and support at the local level.
• Confidence in communicating and coordinating with local governments, health officials, and community groups.
• Proficiency in preparing reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual) and maintaining systematic client documentation.
• Ability to work independently in field settings with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and data entry).
• Good interpersonal skills, empathetic approach, and respect for confidentiality.

Job description:

• Provide individual and group psychosocial counseling to carers in the community, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and proper documentation, while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Possess strong understanding of carers’ issues and lead advocacy efforts to raise awareness and promote carers' needs at the local government level.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all clients, including daily registration, session notes, client files, and case tracking for proper reporting and monitoring.
• Prepare and submit timely reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual) to the Project Coordinator, covering all psychosocial service activities and advocacy efforts.
• Coordinate and advocate with local authorities and stakeholders to integrate mental health, psychosocial support, and carers’ issues into local government plans, budgets, and health services.
• Serve as the advocacy focal person, representing the project in municipal-level mental health committee meetings, coordinating case referrals, and supporting service user groups (SUGs) in leadership and advocacy.
• Provide training and mobilize FCHVs for community-based mental health work, including providing clinical supervision to FCHVs to support carers effectively.
• Build and maintain partnerships with like-minded organizations working in mental health and disability sectors to improve service delivery, awareness activities, and referrals.
• Ensure smooth coordination and communication with the project team, municipality officials, health workers, and other partners for effective implementation of project activities.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, and actively participate in project meetings, staff trainings, and field visits to nearby districts as required by the Project Coordinator.

Interested, qualified, and motivated candidates meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply along with a cover letter, updated resume (CV), and expected salary to: hrtponepal@tponepal.org.np  no later than 05:00 PM, July 26, 2025.

Only short-listed candidates will be informed about the further selection process. Any activity intended to influence the selection process will lead to disqualification. All the selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.  Preference will be given to the Persons residing within the working municipality and district, as well as candidates from the Tamang community, are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

TPO Nepal is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. TPO Nepal does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination.