Community Mental Health Officer (HPC/RN 3) St. Ann Health Department

Qualifications and Experience:

• Registered General Nurse 
• Certified Psychiatric Nurse (Six months Post Basic Programme) 
• Certificate in Nursing Administration or Management studies, no less than six (6) months from an accredited institution 
• A Minimum of three (3) years post-registration practice in general health, mental health or other areas of nursing. 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge of and skill in interpreting the Mental Health Act 
• Knowledge of theories and techniques in counselling 
• Knowledge of key stake-holders pertinent to mental health and the delineation of roles and responsibilities 
• Undertakes clinical, educational, administrative and public relations activities within the parish or health district 
• Participates in extensive health promotional/educational activities 
• Knowledge and use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual Classification system
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing 
• Knowledge of psycho-pharmacology and other therapies 
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team 
• Ability to initiate and manage change 
• Computer literate 

Key Responsibilities will include:

Management and Administration 

• Undertakes clinical, educational, administrative and public relations responsibilities within a parish or health district. 
• Assists in monitoring clinical standards at the parish level and facilitates audit processes.
• Demonstrates commitment to providing quality care, proper risk management and optimal resource utilization. 

Technical 

• Conducts multi-generational family assessment including psychosocial, functional, developmental history and mental status examination. 
• Counsels and educates patients/other family members on health behaviour, self-care skills and treatment options. 
• Liaises internally with other health professionals and other members of the health team
• Liaises with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Police, Social Services, Citizen’s Associations, Religious Organizations, Schools, Business Organization, Health Agencies 

Human Resource 

• Conducts performance evaluation for staff members 
• Delegates functions to appropriate staff 
• Effect disciplinary measures toward staff members where necessary 
• Facilitate provision of social welfare services for staff 
• Facilitate staff development through on-going educational activities 

Education 

• Plans and implements psycho-educational and health promotional activities for clients, their families and communities 
• Participates in in-service education programmes in the health facilities and training of health care personnel 
• Facilitates implementation of new approaches in the delivery of mental health care to clients and groups in different settings 
• Participates in ongoing educational activities such as conferences, seminars workshops and clinical experiences related to specialty and professional issues 
• Promotes advancement of the profession through participation in professional organization. 

Research 

• Utilizes the scientific approach to problem solving and decision-making 
• Contributes to nursing knowledge by participating in conducting research geared towards improving evidence-based practice 
• Collects, organizes, critically analyzes and interprets data. 
• Records findings clearly, concisely and systematically 

WE THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR RESPONDING, HOWEVER, ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.