Psychiatric Clinical Officer

Job Description

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 Obongi and Arua.

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 the new locations starting January 2020.

Job Overview: Under the supervision of health facility in-charge, the psychiatric clinical officer will be responsible for provision of mental health care and psychosocial services to patients. S/he will be expected to work within the heath facility, health posts and community within the catchment areas and collaborate with the integrated community health program to implement project activities. Responsibilities include assessing patients' mental status and developing treatment plans, and 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. S/he will monitor patient’s treatment progress and keep track of the mental status. Keep records of all mental health patient/client. S/he will spend approximately 80% of his/her time in the field both at the health facility, health posts and in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities: •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. •Carrying out human resource management activities like identifying manpower and training needs. •Compiling and submitting periodic reports. •Sharing 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 warehouse 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 counsellors’ 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 psychoeducation to individuals, families and communities about mental health issues.

Qualifications

•Must have a Diploma in Psychiatry Clinical training or its equivalent from a recognized Institution. •Must be registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council. •Must have worked in a health care setting for at least two years providing mentor health services. •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

Working Environment: Field base work environment, computer shall be provided depending on availability for report writing, etc.

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.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.