Trauma Counselor

Job Overview

Imprint Hope seeks a dedicated Trauma Counselor to provide psychosocial support to caregivers of children with disabilities at its rehabilitation and education center in Masese, Jinja. The role focuses on healing trauma and strengthening family resilience.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the counselor will deliver evidence-based interventions, contribute to program development, and ensure services uphold dignity and safety for all beneficiaries. This full-time position reports to the Clinical Psychologist.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual trauma-focused counseling sessions to caregivers using culturally adapted therapeutic techniques.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions that address stigma, grief, and coping strategies for families of children with disabilities.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify mental health needs and develop personalized care plans.
• Collaborate with medical staff to integrate psychological support into rehabilitation and therapy programs.
• Train and mentor community volunteers on basic counseling skills and trauma-informed approaches.
• Develop and distribute educational materials on mental health awareness for local communities.
• Monitor client progress through regular follow-ups and maintain accurate, confidential case documentation.
• Participate in weekly case conferences to share insights and refine intervention strategies with the team.
• Respond to acute distress situations by offering immediate psychological first aid and safety planning.
• Advocate for the rights of children with disabilities within community forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of psychosocial programs to ensure evidence-based effectiveness.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines set by Ugandan counseling bodies.
• Coordinate referral pathways with local health centers and social services for comprehensive client care.
• Prepare monthly reports summarizing counseling activities, outcomes, and recommendations for program improvement.
• Engage in continuous professional development through workshops, webinars, and peer supervision.
• Conduct home visits to assess family dynamics and tailor interventions to household contexts.
• Lead psychoeducation sessions for caregivers on disability awareness and stress reduction techniques.
• Develop individualized safety plans for clients experiencing heightened emotional distress or risk.
• Liaise with school personnel to support the educational inclusion of children with disabilities.
• Participate in research initiatives that evaluate the impact of counseling interventions on beneficiary outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a related mental health discipline.
• Minimum of two years of hands-on counseling experience with trauma survivors or vulnerable groups.
• Proven ability to apply evidence-based modalities such as CBT, TF-CBT, and narrative therapy.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling rapport building with diverse clients and families.
• Competence in maintaining confidential records and preparing timely progress reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and respect cultural differences.
• Fluency in English and Luganda, with excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Valid registration with the Uganda Counseling Association or eligibility for certification.
• Demonstrated experience conducting both individual and group counseling sessions.
• Knowledge of child protection policies and safeguarding practices in humanitarian contexts.
• Capacity to manage caseloads efficiently while maintaining high quality of care.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and adherence to professional ethical standards.
• Ability to conduct crisis intervention and provide psychological first aid when needed.
• Experience in facilitating support groups for caregivers facing similar challenges.
• Familiarity with basic data collection tools for monitoring counseling outcomes.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychotherapy, or a related field.
• Additional certification in trauma-specific interventions such as EMDR, PE, or TF-CBT.
• Direct experience working with children with disabilities and their families in low-resource settings.
• Familiarity with community-based rehabilitation models and disability rights advocacy.
• Proven ability to design and deliver training workshops for caregivers and staff.
• Experience in program development and implementation of psychosocial interventions within NGO settings.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks used in NGO mental health programs.
• Ability to speak additional local languages such as Swahili or Ateso.
• Experience using telehealth platforms to deliver remote counseling services.
• Background in advocacy or policy work related to disability inclusion and mental health.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive monthly salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and Ugandan NGO sector benchmarks.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan covering inpatient, outpatient, and maternity services for employee and dependents.
• Monthly housing allowance to assist with accommodation costs in Jinja or surrounding areas.
• Transport stipend to facilitate daily commuting or relocation to the duty station.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, public holidays, and sick leave per Ugandan labor regulations.
• Opportunities for professional growth including sponsored certifications, workshops, and international conference attendance.
• Supportive supervisory structure with regular feedback, mentorship, and peer learning sessions.
• Access to employee wellness programs such as counseling services and stress management initiatives.
• Provision of work-related tools including laptop, internet allowance, and necessary counseling materials.
• A mission-driven workplace dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave in accordance with national legislation and organizational policy.
• Regular team‑building activities and community outreach events that foster staff cohesion and morale.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, copies of relevant academic certificates, and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the Trauma Counselor role at Imprint Hope. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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