Social Services Specialist

The Need

For 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people globally from violence by 2030, we are seeking to recruit a Social Services Specialist based in Kampala.

Job Summary

The Social Services Specialist evaluates, guides and oversees trauma-informed and survivor-centered strategies to improve access to justice and restorative services for victims of violence. This role supports the development and implementation of community-based solutions, partnerships, and advocacy efforts that empower survivors and strengthen institutional responses. It serves as a technical advisor and facilitator, ensuring ethical, effective and collaborative engagement across sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and advise on trauma-informed care practices and survivor empowerment strategies to ensure alignment with ethical and technical standards.
• Guide and oversee the development and implementation of training, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives that support victims of violence.
• Identify and sustain strategic partnerships with government, civil society, and survivor networks to promote coordinated responses and systemic change.
• Conduct and supervise field-level interventions and capacity-building efforts that reduce barriers to justice and enhance psychosocial support.
• Anticipate and recommend improvements to program design, implementation, and monitoring based on data, stakeholder feedback, and evolving needs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care and survivor-centered approaches, with the ability to advise, design, and implement strategies that promote healing and empowerment.
• Strong facilitation and training skills, capable of guiding diverse stakeholders—including community actors, government officials, and survivor groups—through capacity-building and advocacy processes.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships, fostering collaboration across sectors to improve access to justice and restorative services.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and professionally with survivors, partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Organizational and analytical skills, including the ability to oversee project implementation, monitor progress, and recommend improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback.

Education & Experience

• A degree in social work or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years' experience in social work, counseling, or psychology, including working with survivors of sexual violence or other traumatic experiences, with a minimum of three (3) years leading teams.
• Experience working with domestic violence and child survivors of violence preferred.
• Experience leading and managing teams in a multidisciplinary setting to produce the required results.
• Demonstrable experience in identifying training needs, developing training materials and delivering trainings with sustainable impact.
• Capacity and demonstrable experience in developing survivor care plans and measuring their successful implementation.
• Proven ability to mentor, guide and coach multi-disciplinary stakeholders. Prior experience working with law enforcement or justice system officials preferred.
• Fluency in the English language both written and spoken is mandatory. Working knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
• Experience in supervision and mentorship is an added advantage.
• Excellent computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Critical Qualities

• Mature Christian faith as defined by the Apostles' Creed.
• Strong understanding of trauma and proven application of trauma-informed approaches within case management and/or clinical interventions.
• Strong partner engagement and management skills.
• Ability to work with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Child Sexual Abuse.
• Ability to use tools for monitoring and evaluation and data analysis.
• Organized and able to work in a dynamic environment.
• Able to work the required antisocial hours during investigations.
• Excellent organizational and administrative, critical thinking, legal analysis and oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent writing, documentation and reporting skills, including the ability to maintain digital records and generate high-quality reports on all casework interventions and stakeholder interactions.

What IJM Offers

• A meaningful role contributing to IJM's mission.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• A diverse and international working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Daily, quarterly and annual community spiritual formation opportunities.
• Flexible remote working arrangements, depending on location and role requirements.

How to Apply

Please submit Resume/CV, Cover Letter, and Statement of Faith in one PDF document by 1600hrs EAT on Friday 14th August 2026 with the subject line APPLICATION SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST to ugandarecruiting@ijm.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.