Psychiatric Clinical Officer

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 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 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 psycho-education to individuals, families and communities about mental health issues.