Psycho-Social Specialist – International Justice Mission

The Need
International Justice Mission Uganda (IJM) is seeking a talented social worker or psycho-social support professional to work as an independent consultant with IJM to bring relief to child victims of sexual violence in the Kamwenge and Kabarole Districts of Uganda. IJM seeks an individual who is passionate about justice and highly motivated to use their skills and experience to effect positive change. The consultant will be part of a small start-up team working in Kamwenge and Kabarole Districts, and will play a central role in developing and implementing a unique pilot project to provide multi-disciplinary services to child survivors of sexual violence, and to build the capacity of the public justice system (the “Pilot Project”).
The social worker/psycho-social support professional will serve as an independent consultant and not an employee of IJM. The duration of the contract will be approximately 15 months, for the duration of the Pilot Project. This position is based in Fort Portal, Uganda, requires regular travel in Kamwenge and Kabarole Districts, and may require travel to Kampala, Uganda. The position reports to the Project Manager and the National Director of IJM Uganda.

Responsibilities
Psycho-social support and case management
• Complete needs assessments and treatment plans for child survivors of sexual violence served by the Pilot Project (“Pilot Clients”) toward measurable client outcomes of sustainable protection in the community;
• Ensure safe placement of Pilot Clients, whether with non-offending family members or within alternative care settings;
• In conjunction with other Pilot Project stakeholders and in accordance with individualized treatment plans, coordinate psycho-social services such trauma-informed counseling, medical care, and family support services for Pilot Clients;
• Participate in forensic interviewing Pilot Clients and other child survivors of sexual violence; Prepare Pilot Clients and their families before court hearings and provide psycho-social support during court hearings;
• Provide ongoing support and encouragement to Pilot Clients and families during the court process and provide regular updates on the progress of their case; and
• Work with IJM team and other Pilot Project stakeholders to evaluate cases referred through the referral system to be activated by the Pilot Project and other sources.
Networking and advocacy
• Work with Pilot Project stakeholders to strengthen medico-legal response to sexual violence against children by building linkages among justice officials, police and health workers on forensic evidence collection, filling Police form 3A, and preparation for court hearings;
• Working with team and other Pilot Project service providers, support the establishment of District Action Centers in Kamwenge and Kabarole;
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with District Action Center staff, other Pilot Project services providers, and stakeholders to ensure effective case management and seamless provision of services to Pilot Clients;
• Support inter-institutional dialogue and coordination for cases of sexual violence;
• Develop a sophisticated understanding of relevant networks and hierarchies of prosecutorial and law enforcement officials;
• Develop and maintain an effective network of contacts within the health, psycho-social, and community development space; and
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with IJM Kampala office.
Training
• Support joint training programs with the police, judiciary, child protection workers, and medical staff on child-friendly S/VAC interventions, including ethical and safety considerations for child survivors of sexual violence;
• Participate in the development and delivery of training curricula; and
• Provide training on case management and service provision to District Action Center staff that incorporates elements of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Information management, monitoring and evaluation
• Analyze and document cases of sexual violence against children that can contribute to updated case management protocols;
• Work with the Pilot Project team and M&E team in Kampala to monitor and evaluate the Pilot Project, including monitoring and reporting of project targets, results and outputs; and
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Project Manager, the National Director, and other IJM leaders.
Requirements
Required Skills and Experience
• Degree in social work/counseling/psychology or equivalent; Master’s Degree in social work or related field preferred;
• Minimum five (5) years professional experience providing trauma-focused case management counseling services to survivors of trauma, experience with child survivors preferred;
• Experience with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or another trauma-informed counseling modality preferred;
• Proven experience in successful networking with service providers at both governmental and civil society levels;
• Excellent listening and report-writing skills;
• Fluent in written and oral communication in English, with working knowledge of Runyakitara required;
• Computer literate with Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook and Excel; and
• Applicant must be registered with the Uganda Revenue Authority and possess a Tax Identification Number.
Critical Qualities
• Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed;
• Strong passion to help people who have suffered from trauma or injustice;
• High levels of self-motivation and personal initiative;
• Interest in project development and innovation, and ability to thrive as part of a small, flexible, start-up-oriented team;
• Creative and energetic problem solver;
• Extremely high levels of honesty and integrity;
• Ability to work well under stress and deadline pressures; and
• Excellent advocacy, critical thinking and analysis skills.
Strong preference for Ugandan nationals. Consulting fees to be paid in Ugandan Shillings at a rate reflective
Applications received after the closing date and applications without all the specified/ required documents will not be given consideration. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
*What is a statement of faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

HOW TO APPLY:
end Job Application Form, Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith to:
By E-mail (preferred method):
ugandarecruiting@ijm.org
By Mail:
International Justice Mission
Attn: Human Resources
P.O. Box 502
Ntinda, Kampala, UGANDA
By Hand:
International Justice Mission
Attn: Human Resources
Plot 15 Suuna Road, Ntinda
Kampala, UGANDA
Applications received after the closing date and applications without all the specified/ required documents will not be given consideration. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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