JOB DETAILS:

Requisition ID: req9449

Job Title: Psychiatric Clinical Officer

Sector: Health
Employment Category: Regular
Employment Type: Full-Time
Open to Expatriates: No
Location: Kiryandongo, Uganda

Job Description

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.
The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala and Kiryandongo settlement. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC works in 12 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kotido, Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Amudat, Kiryandongo, Adjumani, Yumbe, and Kampala.
IRC is currently looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and self-motivated persons to join our team to support the effective delivery of the organization’s mission.

Duties And Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of Health Manager, the Mental Health Officer will be responsible for provision of mental health care, counseling and casework services to patients. He/she will be expected to work within the heath facility, health posts and community in the IRC supported health facilities’catchment population and collaborate with the integrated community health program to implement project activities. Responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental status and developing treatment plans, making referrals to the appropriate services points. This may also require provision of crisis intervention services to patients who are a danger to themselves or others. The Mental Health Officer will monitor patient’s treatment progress and keep track of the mental status. Keep records of all mental health patient/client. She/he will spend approximately 80% of his/her time in the field both at the health facility, health posts and in the community.
Objectives:
• Provide mental health care to patients/clients.
• Provide clinical and psychosocial care and support to mental health patients/clients.
• Reduce stigma and empower clients/patients with mental illness and family members.

Key Roles And Responsibilities:

Mental Health Service provision:

Key Activities

• Diagnosing, treating and managing patients with mental illness.
• Participating in planning, budgeting, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating psychiatric activities.
• Referring complicated cases to appropriate level of care.
• Ensuring maximum protection of patients, relatives and staff.
• Conducting community sensitization about mental health.
• Initiating and participating in research activities.
• Imparting knowledge and skills to staff during CME and mentorship.
• Carry out human resource management activities like identifying manpower and training needs.
• Compiling and submitting periodic reports.
• share information regarding improvement of mental healthcare.

Reporting and coordination:

• Collect and check the accuracy and quality of the monthly health data (patient statistics, case specific segregation and mental health drugs utilization data)
• Collaborate with clinic staff and ware house colleagues to prepare inventory and consumption reports of medical supplies.
• Participate in developing community networks to support mental health patients in the community.
• Participate in the mental health working group coordination meetings and represent the IRC

Capacity building:

• Evaluate clinical management skill and psychosocial counselors’ skills, assess their training needs and monitor progress.
• Carry out on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship of subordinates
• Prepare training materials for on-the-job training sessions
• Liaise with other partners and advocate for matters related to mental health issues.
• Support individual counseling and psycho-education to individuals, families and communities about mental health issues

Professional Standards:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation

Qualifications

• Must have a Diploma in Mental Health or its equivalent from a recognized Institution.
• Must be registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council.
• Must have served for at least three (3) years as a Health Worker.

Working experience:

• 3 years of work experience, with field experience in a health project implementation

Other requirements:

• Excellent problem solving skills and good interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated Knowledge of project management
• Demonstrated counseling skills
• Fluency and strong writing skills in English
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Please note:
The role of the Psychiatric Clinical Officer cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein. The success of the IRC’s humanitarian mission is the highest priority and all issues which arise must be addressed accordingly. Therefore, s/he will be required to manage all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to perform any other duties, as and when required.

Submit your CV and Application on Company Website : Click Here

Closing Date : 13th July 2020