Child Trauma Counselor

Child Trauma Counselor

Location: Kathmandu

Reports to: Senior Program Officer

Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract (9 months)

About Maiti Nepal

Maiti Nepal, founded in 1993, is a trusted organization committed to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors, particularly women and children. With over 30 years of impactful work, it has become a leader in advancing gender equality and social justice in Nepal. The organization takes a holistic approach, offering rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term reintegration through education, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Maiti Nepal’s mission is to uphold the dignity and rights of women and children, fostering a society free from exploitation, violence, and discrimination.

About the Project

The project ‘Rescue and Aftercare 2025’ is focused on rescuing girls and young women from sexual exploitation and internal trafficking within the country. It provides a wide range of support services, including food, shelter, psychosocial counseling, legal counseling, and training. The project also works towards preventing sexual exploitation and internal trafficking, especially in the case of minor survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. By offering both rescue and preventive services, the project aims to address the issue from multiple angles.

One of the key challenges in this area is the poor economic condition and lack of income faced by many families. The project responds to this by offering short-term rehabilitation support to survivors, helping them reintegrate into their communities with a sense of security and stability. Legal aid is another critical component, as survivors, especially minors, often face difficulties in accessing justice due to family pressure and hostile environments. The project, therefore, emphasizes increasing legal case filings and continuous advocacy with relevant stakeholders. This multi-layered approach helps provide survivors with the resources and support they need to move forward and seek justice.

Job Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct trauma-informed counseling (individual and group) for rescued minors, addressing issues related to sexual exploitation.
• Support early-stage emotional stabilization for new arrivals at the halfway home and clinic, using psychosocial first aid and continuous monitoring.
• Design and implement customized therapeutic interventions, including play/art therapy, storytelling, and culturally appropriate methods tailored to children’s age and trauma level.
• Participate in care planning with caseworkers, medical staff, shelter wardens, and legal counselors to ensure coordinated support for each child.
• Facilitate family counseling sessions pre- and post-reintegration to reduce stigma and build a supportive environment for the survivor’s return home.
• Maintain case files and progress documentation in alignment with Maiti Nepal’s protocols and donor requirements
• Prepare counselling reports of every counseling session with the survivors
• Support referrals for children with severe psychological conditions (e.g., PTSD, addiction, suicidal tendencies) to specialized psychiatric facilities or rehabilitation centers.
• Train and mentor peer educators (transformed girls) to support fellow survivors through motivational group sessions and recreational therapy.
• Provide technical input during survivor-focused evaluations, monitoring visits, and case reviews.
• Ensure adherence to safeguarding principles and ethical counseling practices at all times.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Clinical Psychology focusing on children, trauma, or trafficking survivors of gender based violence), and minimum 3 years of experience counseling traumatized children/adolescents

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Clinical Psychology (focusing on children, trauma, or trafficking survivors of gender based violence) with at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in humanitarian or protection settings.
• Certification or training in the following is preferable:
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Play/Art Therapy
• Psychosocial First Aid (PFA)
• Addiction Counseling
• Experience of working in residential shelters, halfway homes, or traffic survivors of gender based violence is strongly preferred.

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

• Deep understanding of trauma recovery frameworks for children.
• Strong skills in active listening, empathy, and child-friendly communication.
• Ability to handle crises calmlymanner, including cases involving self-harm risk or substance use.
• Fluent in Nepali (essential) and English.
• Basic report writing, digital record-keeping, and coordination skills.
• Commitment to child safeguarding and protection, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary as per Maiti Nepal’s organizational scale.
• Travel and field allowances as per project requirements.
• Health and insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and training.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their CV, Cover Letter, and two references to hr.maitinepal@gmail.com by 28th April, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview (Female candidates preferred).

Maiti Nepal is an equal opportunity employer. Women from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.