Clinical Psychologist - Mental Health (HPC/ALH 2) – St. Elizabeth Health Services

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of the Medical Officer of Health/Psychiatrist, the Clinical Psychologist has clinical responsibilities regarding children and families referred to the Child Guidance Clinics (CGCs). This includes the responsibility of ensuring that children, adolescents and their parents are provided with optimum mental health care through evaluation, diagnosis and management of clients, networking with schools, Non Government Organizations (NGOs), other agencies and through public education. Additionally, the Psychologist will provide psychotherapy for adults in treatment facilities. 

Qualification and Experience:

• MSc. Degree in Psychology 
• At least two (2) years’ experience in Child Psychology and Counselling 

Specific Knowledge/Required Skills/Competencies: 

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality; and interests; learning and motivation 
• Knowledge of Psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders 
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Knowledge of psychological theories and practices 
• Knowledge of Psychoanalysis 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent analytical skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills 
• Excellent leadership and management skills 
• Networking skills 
• Well developed counselling skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively develops, co-ordinates and implements the Child & Adolescent Mental Health project. Ensuring participation in client services, case conferences, staff meetings. Ensure that evaluation and planning meetings are scheduled, organized and implemented effectively. 
• Participates in the preparation of yearly programme plans for the child and adolescent facilities in the Region and regional plan for the Child Guidance Clinics. Participates in the quarterly review of these programme plans. 
• Participates in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and any other reports as deemed necessary. 
• Facilitates and conducts research on child and adolescent mental health issues. 
• Represents the Child Guidance Clinic at meetings called by other government departments and agencies and makes presentations as requested by the Director of the clinic. 
• The Psychologist will provide psychotherapy for adults in treatment facilities. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Assists with the Supervision of Professional Staff – Social Worker, Mental Health Officers, Psychiatric Aide working in the Child Guidance Clinic. 
• Provides the necessary supervision and guidance for professionals in training who are assigned to the clinic for practical experience. 
• Networking with professional staff in other Child Guidance Clinics in order to provide supervision, support and the sharing of information to facilitate better management of clients. 

Direct Client Service / Professional Responsibilities 

• Evaluation of children and adolescents who are referred to or walk into the clinic to facilitate diagnosis and management. 
• Plans and implements management strategies for children and adolescents with behavioural, emotional and psychiatric disorders and for their families. These include: 
  • Individual Psychotherapy 
  • Group Therapy 
  • Family Therapy 
  • Parenting Sessions 
• Conducts school and home visits to gather information, which facilitates effective evaluation and management of clients. This involves interviewing Principals, Teachers, Guidance Counsellors, Parents and other family members in the home/school setting. 
• Working with Special Needs Coordinator (MoEY), Guidance Counsellors and Teachers to sensitize them regarding the identification and basic management of behavioural and emotional problems and conduct interventions in schools to reduce the out of school hours for children with mild to moderate behaviour problems. 
• Liaise with other agencies, for example, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), the Family Court, MICO Care, to facilitate information sharing and effective referral and management of clients. 
• Prepares psychological reports and progress reports for the clients seen in the clinic, in collaboration with the regional psychologist, for Family Court, CPFSA, Schools and other interested agencies. 
• Delivers educational talks/presentation to civic groups, schools, parent teachers associations, churches and other community-based organizations on topics related to child and adolescent mental health, child development and parenting. 
• Participates in the training of health and non-health professionals in areas of Child and Adolescent Mental Health assessment and management of the Traumatized child (Child Abuse), Normal and Abnormal Child Development and Parenting, Foster Parents, Community Health Aides, Police, Child Care Officers, Social Workers, Medical and Nursing Students. 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.