Regional Psychiatrist (HPC/MO 4) - Regional Office

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Regional Technical Director, the Regional Psychiatrist will be responsible for organizing, planning, coordinating and evaluating strategies and programmes for improving the delivery of Mental Health Services, curative, preventive and rehabilitative. This will be done in accordance with the government’s policies and regulations to ensure the appropriate balance in the delivery of health services. 

The ideal candidate will meet the following educational criteria:

• Doctor of Medicine (DM) or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry
• Post graduate degree specializing in Public Health 
• Management experience / training would be an asset 

Plus 

• A minimum of five (5) years post graduate experience 

Specific Knowledge Required:

• Sound knowledge of the National Health Policy 
• Indepth knowledge of the principles and methods of psychiatry 
• Knowledge of current trends and techniques in the treatment and management of psychiatric illnesses 
• Understanding of social issues and how these impact on mental health 
• Sound knowledge of Public Health Laws and Regulations and the Mental Health Act
• Thorough knowledge of the Service Level Agreement 
• Knowledge of management practices and procedures 

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Consult and collaborate with the Coordinating Medical Officers of Health and Senior Medical Officers of Health in ensuring the integration of services through an adequate, fully functional and responsive referral system 
• Provide technical programme input in the development of the three (3) or five (5) year corporate plan, the operational plans and the annual budget consistent with strategic objectives in keeping with local/regional needs and national and regional guidelines. 
• Maintain liaisons with the Director, Mental Health and Substance Abuse to ensure that the delivery of mental health services in the region are consistent with government’s overall policy direction. 
• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the Regional Mental Health Programmes in consultation with Medical Officers of Health and other health personnel. 
• Participate in the review and evaluation of legislation, regulations and standards pertaining to mental health services island wide. 
• Provide leadership in improving the quality of mental health service delivery within the region.
• Provide specialist consultation to the major hospitals and health centers. 
• Receive and analyse mental health statistics from all facilities, advising the Regional Technical Director on priorities, new programmes etc. 
• Coordinate and facilitate the flow of technical information through submission of regular and special reports to the Regional Technical Director, Ministry of Health and relevant agencies as authorized, and the field (to all officers who have a need for such information and ensure feedback) 
• Spearhead professional activities related to mental health care delivery at regional/national level on request.
• Identify and submit training needs for professional staff and participate in the development and execution of in service training programmes for all categories of staff. Participate in the selection, evaluation and recruitment of technical/professional staff. 
• Plan, organize and conduct research and data analysis in matters related to mental health in the region. 
• Monitor the Regional Mental Health Education Programmes 
• Coordinate the regional emergency mental health services in collaboration with the Region and Ministry of Health Emergency Management Team/Unit. 
• Provide technical supervision to Psychiatric residents and Mental Health Officers. 

NB. WE THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR RESPONDING, HOWEVER, ONLY SHORT-LISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.