Psychologist or social counselor (female)

About UTOPIA Association

UTOPIA Association is a community-based organization operating in North Lebanon since 2012. We work to foster holistic well-being, inclusion, protection, and resilience through community-driven approaches. Under the WPHF-funded project, UTOPIA is expanding access to sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) and mental health services for women, girls, and vulnerable individuals in underserved areas.

PURPOSE

The Psychologist / Social Counselor will provide psychological first aid, psychosocial counseling, and community-based support to women, girls, and vulnerable individuals, including survivors of or those at risk of SGBV. Unlike psychotherapists who provide long-term clinical therapy, the counselor’s role is to deliver short-term, solution-focused counseling and psychosocial support, ensuring early intervention and timely referrals. The position bridges awareness, individual counseling, and group-based interventions, while ensuring confidentiality, dignity, and cultural sensitivity.

Key Result Areas and Outputs to be achieved by the role:

• Provide one-on-one counseling sessions addressing stress, trauma, family conflicts, and coping strategies.
• Facilitate focused group psychosocial support (PSS) sessions in safe and inclusive formats.
• Conduct Rapid Needs Assessments (RNAs) alongside social workers to identify mental health concerns.
• Provide psychological first aid (PFA) during urgent cases.
• Collaborate with the project’s gynecologist, social workers, and external service providers to ensure a multidisciplinary response.
• Support SRHR and mental health awareness sessions by integrating psychosocial dimensions (stigma reduction, coping with trauma).
• Refer severe or complex cases to specialized services (psychiatrist, psychotherapist) and ensure follow-up.
• Participate in mobile outreach activities to underserved communities, ensuring equitable access.
• Maintain confidential case documentation and contribute to reporting.
• Undertake any other relevant duties assigned by the Protection Manager or Senior Protection Officer.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:    

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field (required).
• Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Mental Health (asset).

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in counseling, psychosocial support, or community-based protection.
• Prior experience with women, youth, refugees, and vulnerable groups in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Familiarity with SRHR and SGBV-related counseling is highly desirable.
• Experience delivering group sessions, awareness activities, and mobile outreach preferred.

Language:  Arabic is required; English is an Asset

Technical Competencies

• Counseling techniques and psychological first aid.
• Group facilitation and CBPSS approaches.
• SRHR and mental health awareness integration.
• Case identification, assessment, and referral pathways.
• Confidential documentation and reporting.
• Coordination with multidisciplinary teams (health, protection, MEAL).

Behavioral Competencies

• Empathy & Active Listening
• Accountability & Integrity
• Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Cultural & Conflict Sensitivity
• Confidentiality & Professionalism
• Resilience & Stress Management