Counsellor, TARA Programs - Job Description
Job Title:
Counsellor
Projects covered:
TARA Residential Programs: TARA Boys, TARA Girls, and, TARA Big Birds
Reports To:
Health Care Lead
Subordinates:
N/A
Organization
ONYVA (NGO) www.ONYVA.in
JOB MISSION
The mission of the Counsellor is to support the emotional, behavioural, and psychological wellbeing of children and aftercare young adults in TARA’s residential programs. The role ensures that each beneficiary receives empathetic support, effective coping strategies, and structured counselling that nurtures resilience and healthy interpersonal behaviour
JOB VALUE
This role strengthens TARA’s child protection and aftercare objectives by providing consistent emotional support to children and young adults, building healthy coping and social skills, and fostering trauma-informed, emotionally safe environments across the homes. The counsellor guides residential teams on behavioural and emotional needs and contributes psychological insights to care plans, academic decisions, and rehabilitation pathways.
JOB AUTONOMY
The Counsellor in collaboration with the Program Lead has autonomy to design counselling schedules, plan individual and group sessions, conduct assessments, and maintain case documentation. While external referrals, diagnoses, and major therapeutic decisions require consultation with the Health Care Lead, the counsellor independently manages routine casework, follows up on behavioural concerns, and works closely with Program Leads and caregivers to integrate emotional care into daily life.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Counselling and Psychosocial Support
● Provide individual counselling to children (Girls and Boys) and aftercare youth (Big Birds).
● Conduct group counselling sessions for beneficiaries with similar needs Observe children and young adults in natural residential settings to understand emotional patterns, triggers, and strengths.
● Build age-appropriate awareness around emotional expression, conflict resolution, self-esteem, personal safety, and relationships.
● Facilitate life skills sessions for children and youth to strengthen emotional regulation, decision-making, and social skills.
● Develop a clear understanding of each beneficiary’s case history, past trauma, learning needs, behavioural concerns, and developmental progress.
2. Coordination With Internal and External Stakeholders
● Participate in case review meetings with Program Leads, caregivers, educators, and the Health Care Lead.
● Coordinate with partner mental health organisations (e.g., Children First, AIIMS, psychiatrists, therapists) for assessments and specialised interventions.
● Schedule and track external appointments, ensuring all relevant staff are informed in advance.
● Provide guidance to childcare staff on behavioural strategies and trauma-informed care approaches.
● Support TARA’s preparation for CWC and other statutory reviews by contributing psychological insights when needed.
3. Reporting and Documentation
● Maintain counselling notes, session summaries, and confidential records in accordance with TARA’s Counselling Policy.
● Prepare structured plans for individual and group sessions, ensuring goal-oriented interventions.
● Update the online health books of beneficiaries, including assessments, therapy outcomes, behavioral observations, medication (if any), and follow-ups.
● Prepare psychological summaries or reports for CWC, schools, or other authorities when requested.
● Submit consolidated monthly counselling reports to the Program Leads), Health Care Lead, Head of Residential Programs, and Executive Director.
● Immediately report major concerns & unsafe behaviors as per TARA’s counseling policy
PROFILE REQUIRED1. Qualifications
● Master’s degree in Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, or a related discipline.
● Training in trauma-informed care, child development, or special needs is preferred.
2. Experience
● 2–4 years of experience working directly with children, adolescents, or young adults in residential care, child protection, mental health, or similar settings.
● Experience with trauma, behavioural/emotional concerns, or institutionalised populations is highly desirable.
3. Skills & Competencies
● Strong grounding in child development, trauma responses, behaviour modification, and counselling techniques.
● Ability to establish trust and rapport with children and young adults from vulnerable backgrounds.
● Excellent communication, observation, and documentation skills.
● Capacity to handle sensitive information ethically, maintaining confidentiality.
● Collaborative, patient, grounded, and emotionally resilient.
● Ability to guide caregivers on behavioural strategies and psychosocial understanding.
● Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
4. Personal Qualities
● Warm, empathetic, and child-centric.
● High emotional maturity and professional boundaries.
● Non-judgmental and culturally sensitive.
● Commitment to safeguarding standards and trauma-informed practice.
● Open to supervision, learning, and continuous professional growth.
WORKING DAYS & HOURS
● 5 days a week, 40 hours a week
● Can be called for back-up on days of weekly offs; to be compensated with catch-up leaves as per the HR Policy
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Provident Fund
Education:
Experience:
- Individual / group counselling: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
