Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor  – Jobs In Uganda

Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor

Job Title: Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Job Type: Full-time
Category: NGO / Healthcare / Counselling / Mental Health
Organization: Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL)

Job Summary

Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) is hiring a Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor to join our dedicated team in Kampala. This position will focus on supporting adolescent girls and their partners through the provision of mental health services, psychosocial support, and community awareness programs.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering counselling, building resilience, and integrating emotional well-being into broader programs that link sexual and reproductive health (SRHR), maternal care, and climate resilience in urban slum communities.

This is an opportunity for a qualified mental health professional to make a direct impact on vulnerable youth by combining clinical expertise with community-based approaches that empower adolescents to live healthier, more resilient lives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor will work closely with project teams, health facilities, and community stakeholders to provide quality, youth-friendly services. Specific responsibilities include:

• Conducting mental health screenings and assessments for adolescent girls and their partners.

• Providing individual counselling sessions and group therapy for adolescents experiencing emotional, social, or psychological challenges.

• Designing personalized care plans and referral pathways in collaboration with health facilities and project staff.

• Facilitating psychoeducation activities to raise awareness on mental health, emotional well-being, and coping strategies.

• Embedding mental health interventions into sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) and climate resilience initiatives led by UYDEL.

• Training peer educators, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders in mental health awareness, early detection, and basic support skills.

• Monitoring and documenting mental health trends, service outcomes, and case studies for effective reporting, learning, and advocacy.

• Supporting adolescents in developing healthy coping mechanisms for stressors linked to poverty, gender inequality, and climate-related challenges.

• Ensuring that all services provided are confidential, respectful, youth-friendly, and culturally appropriate.

Qualifications, Education, and Competencies

To qualify for the role of Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor at UYDEL, candidates must demonstrate the following:

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A Diploma or Degree in Mental Health Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing from a recognized institution.

• Must be a registered practitioner with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC).

• At least 2 years of professional experience working with adolescents in healthcare, counselling, or community-based NGO settings.

• Knowledge and experience in addressing mental health within sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) programming.

• Familiarity with the links between climate change, mental health, and reproductive health challenges is an added advantage.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive cases and maintain accurate documentation.

• Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and community-based settings.

Desirable Attributes

• An empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach when working with adolescents and vulnerable groups.

• Ability to work with diverse communities in under-resourced or climate-vulnerable settings.

• Culturally sensitive, adaptable, and resilient in challenging work environments.

• Commitment to youth empowerment, gender equality, and climate justice.

• Strong facilitation skills and experience conducting group counselling or psychoeducation sessions.

Why Join UYDEL?

Working as a Mental Health Nurse / Project Counsellor at UYDEL provides the opportunity to:

• Be part of a leading NGO in Uganda that is recognized for empowering vulnerable young people.

• Contribute to an innovative project that connects mental health, SRHR, and climate resilience.

• Gain valuable experience in youth-centered, community-based programming.

• Work within a supportive team of healthcare professionals, counsellors, and project staff who are passionate about transforming lives.

• Receive continuous opportunities for professional development and capacity building.

• Make a lasting impact on adolescent girls and their communities by addressing both health and social determinants of well-being.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following:

• A Cover Letter explaining why you are suitable for the role.

• An updated CV / Resume.

• Copies of relevant academic and professional credentials.

Send applications to: [email protected]