Background

ARIDLIFE Development Agency (ARIDLIFE) is a national NGO in Somalia implementing humanitarian and development programs that support vulnerable and underserved communities. Its work focuses on child protection, livelihoods and resilience, food security, climate-smart agriculture, community engagement, accountability, and evidence-based programming. ARIDLIFE works closely with communities, government institutions, donors, and development and humanitarian partners to strengthen resilience, protect vulnerable groups, and improve access to sustainable opportunities and essential services. We are inviting applications from qualified individuals for a project anticipated to start in September 2026.

Psychosocial Support (PSS) Counselor

Department: Health & Protection

Reports To: CP Project Officer

Duty Station: Baidoa and Afgoye

Contract Type & Duration: Full-time (6 months) with a high possibility of extension.

Minimum Experience Required: 3+ years of clinical counseling experience with trauma survivors, children, and conflict-affected communities. Valid professional practice license required where applicable.

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Psychiatric Social Work.

Position Summary

The PSS Counselor provides clinical psychological assessments, individual therapy, and structured group interventions to children, caregivers, and families experiencing severe trauma, grief, or psychosocial distress.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment and Intervention: Conduct intake evaluations and formulate individualized, evidence-based treatment plans for complex trauma cases.
• Individual and Group Therapy: Facilitate individual therapy, trauma-informed art or play therapy for children, and structured group sessions for parents and youth (for example, positive parenting or life-skills groups).
• Crisis Stabilization and PFA: Provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) and clinical crisis intervention following major protection incidents or acute distress episodes.
• Capacity Building: Deliver training on mental health identification, basic PFA, and safe referral steps to frontline community workers, teachers, and health staff.
• Specialized Referral Pathways: Identify cases requiring psychiatric intervention and coordinate confidential secondary referrals to specialized health institutions.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Training in at least one evidence-based, trauma-focused modality (for example, TF-CBT, EMDR, or narrative exposure therapy)
• Experience facilitating group therapy with children or caregivers
• Working knowledge of PFA and referral protocols for severe psychiatric cases
• Fluency in English; working proficiency in [local language(s)] an advantage

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following two documents in a single email:

• An updated CV (maximum 3 pages) that includes contact details for three professional references, one of whom must be your most recent direct line manager.
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) that states the exact position title you are applying for.

Send both documents to [email protected] with the subject line: Position Title – Your Full Name.

Applications close on 28/08/2026 at 17:00 EAT. Aridlife reviews applications on a rolling basis and may fill a position before the deadline if a strong candidate is identified, so early submissions are encouraged. Incomplete or late submissions will not be evaluated. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.