IRC 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. 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 currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala. The IRC will be moving into additional/new locations in refugee settlements in Kiryandongo and Zombo.

The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements. Similar services will be extended to new locations.

Job Overview/ Summary
Under the supervision of The Psychiatric clinical officer, the psychiatric nurse shall be responsible for provision of mental health care, counselling and active case management. He/she will provide facility and community-based mental health interventions in IRC’s areas of jurisdiction. Assess patients’ mental status, develop treatment plans and provide up to date patient care including making referrals to the appropriate services points

Responsibilities:
• Coordinate Mental health and Psychosocial activities across his catchment, Represents IRC in MHPSS technical working Group meetings within his area of jurisdiction and collaborates with other agencies / institutions to ensure effective coordination and referral of cases.
• Ensure integration and provision of proven and highly standard MHPSS services to the Beneficiaries in all IRC supported PHC Facilities.
• Assess, diagnose, manage mental health patients, and prepare case presentations for complex mental health disorders for case conferencing with the Mental health Officer / mental health Technical Advisers or Visiting Psychiatrist.
• Build capacity of fellow staff through CMEs in MHPSS using standard tools like UCG, DSM-V, mhGAP-HIG and he will act as a link between Protection and Health programming in facilities to ensure Protection and PSEA mainstreaming in PHC facilities supported by IRC with in his / her Jurisdiction.
• Ensure effective custody and utilization MH DEPT supplies, participate in the routine data collection and reporting pertaining the IRC MH indicators and HIS.
• Directly lead, mentor, and Supervise Community Mental health structures like VHTs in his catchment.
• Lead mass awareness campaigns in the community to raise demand for professional MH service utilization and fight stigma associated with Mental health

Key Working Relationships:
Internal:
Direct supervisor: Psychiatric clinical officer
Technical support: Zonal Medical Officer, Facility in charge, Clinical Officers.
Other: Logistics, finance, admin staff.
External:
Govt. of Uganda: District Health Team and other district officials
Consortium Members:
Other: NGOs, INGOs and UN agencies working in the project region

Qualifications
• Must have diploma in nursing (mental health) from a recognized university or institution.
• Must be registered with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council
• Must have a valid practicing license Certificate in Nursing.

Experience
• At least one year working experience in Primary Health Care settings:
• Experience in planning, organizing, and coordinating health activities.
• Experience in Information management

Skills and Abilities
• Counselling skills
• Communication skills
• Clinical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Team building skills

Standards for Professional Conduct:
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.