Job Title: Counsellor
Organisation: Bahaal Foundation
Location: Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka.
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Mode: Hybrid
Reports to: Director
About Bahaal Foundation:
Bahaal Foundation is a non-profit organisation working to restore dignity, independence, and opportunity for persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI). We focus on holistic recovery, emotional well-being, inclusive participation, and advocacy so people with disabilities can lead empowered and fulfilling lives. Our work is grounded in compassion, innovation, and a long-term commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
Our work bridges the gap between hospital discharge and full community reintegration. Through rehabilitation support, psychosocial care, wheelchair skill training, and livelihood pathways, Bahaal Foundation enables individuals with SCI to rebuild their lives with confidence and agency. We work closely with families, caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, community institutions, and partners to create inclusive ecosystems of support.
Job Summary
The counsellor will be responsible for Bahaal Foundation’s psychosocial support initiative designed to address the emotional and mental health needs of persons with spinal cord injuries and their families. The project creates safe, supportive spaces for individuals to process life after injury, rebuild confidence, strengthen coping strategies, and navigate changes in identity, relationships, and daily life. Support is provided through tele support, one-on-one sessions, peer spaces, and guided group interactions.
The Counsellor will lead the delivery of psychosocial support under the Mind Over Matter project while also supporting administrative coordination across Bahaal Foundation’s programmes. This role blends direct engagement with beneficiaries and families with tasks such as documentation, scheduling, and communication.
The ideal candidate is empathetic, organised, and comfortable working in both supportive counselling environments and structured administrative roles. This is a hybrid position, involving virtual sessions, field visits, and coordination work.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Conduct basic psychosocial assessments to understand individual needs and concerns
- Provide individual supportive counselling sessions to persons with spinal cord injuries (in-person and virtual)
- Offer tele-support sessions for beneficiaries who require remote emotional support
- Identify early signs of depression, anxiety, trauma, or social withdrawal and respond appropriately
- Facilitate group support circles and guided peer interactions
- Support families and caregivers in understanding emotional adjustment after SCI
- Help beneficiaries develop coping strategies, confidence, and emotional resilience
- Maintain confidential case notes and progress documentation
- Make referrals to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, or other specialists when required
- Contribute to the development of session tools, wellbeing resources, and support materials
- Participate in case review discussions with the team (while maintaining confidentiality standards)
- Support psychosocial awareness sessions during community programmes and workshops
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or related fields
- Training in Trauma-Informed Approaches in Mental Health Care
- Additional certification or formal training in counselling or psychosocial support is preferred
- Experience providing tele-counselling or remote emotional support is an advantage
- 0–3 years of experience in counselling, mental health support, or community-based psychosocial work
- Experience working with persons with disabilities or in healthcare/community settings is an advantage
- Understanding of boundaries, ethics, and confidentiality in counselling practice
Language Requirements
- Proficiency in English
- Working knowledge of Kannada, Tulu, and Hindi
Other Requirements
- Willingness to travel for occasional field visits and in-person sessions
- Comfort working in a hybrid role (remote + field + coordination)
- Ability to work in a small, growing organisation with a collaborative team culture
- Commitment to the mission and values of Bahaal Foundation
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and skills for the role to hr@bahaal.org and admin@bahaal.org. Kindly mention “Counsellor” in the subject line of your email.
Submit your application by Friday, 20th February. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.