Study Counsellor

YRGCARE; Chennai District; On-site; INR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal-opportunity employer

Commitment to inclusion and diversity

Job summary

A pioneering NGO in Chennai is seeking a Study Counsellor to facilitate community engagement and raise awareness about TB through educational sessions. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in counselling or community outreach and possess strong interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include conducting sensitisation sessions, obtaining informed consent, and supporting referrals for screening. The candidate should be fluent in Hindi and English, showcasing a culturally sensitive approach to diverse communities. This position requires field travel within the district, promoting inclusive health outcomes.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in counselling, community outreach, or school-based interventions.
• Experience working with children or in school health programmes preferred.
• Fluent in Hindi and English; knowledge of local dialects is a plus.
• Languages: Hindi and English

Responsibilities

• Conduct sensitisation sessions for students and parents about TB.
• Facilitate informed consent and maintain communication regarding TB screening.
• Submit regular reports on sensitisation and counselling activities.

Skills

Counselling

Community outreach

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Public Health

Job description

Compensation

Remuneration will reflect the candidate’s experience and skills, subject to the approved budget.

Job Information

Job Opening ID: YRGCARET1067

Work Experience: 5-8 years

Industry: NGO/Social Services

City: Chennai

State/Province: Tamil Nadu

Zip/Postal Code: 600001

Job Description

Position Title

Study Counsellor

Location

Chennai, Pune, Gorakhpur, Satara

Organisation

YRGCARE

Experience Required

3–5 years

About YRGCARE

Established in 1993, YRGCARE is a pioneering non-governmental organisation in India, committed to transforming lives through integrated healthcare, inclusive partnerships, and forward-looking research. Grounded in the values of integrity and sustainability, we address both immediate and evolving societal challenges empowering communities to attain equitable and lasting health outcomes. We provide comprehensive services across prevention, care, support, and treatment, particularly for those affected by HIV and other infectious diseases.

Role Overview

The Study Counsellor plays a vital role in school- and community-level engagement under the project. They are responsible for conducting sensitisation sessions, obtaining informed consent, facilitating student and parent communication, and supporting referral linkages for TB screening and follow-up. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, community sensitivity, and the ability to build trust with school staff, students, parents, and village stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in community driven change, with experience in managing multiple stakeholder tasks preferably in similar NGO or public health sector projects.

Key Responsibilities

Community and School Engagement

• Conduct sensitisation sessions for students, parents, and teachers to raise awareness about TB and the purpose of the TFSI project.
• Support the scheduling and coordination of school visits in collaboration with the District Coordinator and Study Team.
• Facilitate informed consent and assent processes with students and parents/guardians.
• Provide clear and culturally appropriate communication about TB screening and referral procedures.
• Maintain a respectful, confidential, and supportive environment during all interactions.

Counselling And Follow‑Up

• Provide pre‑screening and post‑referral counselling to students and families as required.
• Encourage participation and address any fears, concerns, or misconceptions about TB and the study procedures.
• Support community‑level engagement by coordinating with ASHAs, ANMs, school staff, and local leaders.
• Assist in conducting home visits (where needed) for follow‑up on consent, screening outcomes, or missed visits.

Documentation And Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of sensitisation sessions, counselling activities, and follow‑up interactions.
• Submit daily/weekly reports to the District Coordinator and central team as per standard formats.
• Track consent rates, refusals, reasons for non‑participation, and follow‑up outcomes.
• Contribute to the preparation of case studies, success stories, and community engagement summaries.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Public Health, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in counselling, community outreach, or school‑based interventions.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or in school health programmes is preferred.
• Languages – Hindi and English (spoken and written); local dialects are an advantage.

Desirable Attributes

• Empathetic and respectful approach when working with children and families.
• Ability to build rapport and communicate complex information in simple terms.
• Organised, detail‑oriented, and reliable in maintaining records and reports.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Based at the district site office with daily field travel to schools and communities within the district.
• All counselling and community engagement activities will follow project SOPs and ethical guidelines.
• Training and supervisory support will be provided by the District Coordinator and Study PI/Co‑PI.
• Culturally sensitive and able to adapt to diverse communities.

YRGCARE is an equal‑opportunity employer. At YRGCARE, we are committed to supporting inclusion and diversity as part of our values. We actively celebrate employee’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people’s lives.