Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist (HPC/MO 3)

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Regional Psychiatrist, the Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist will be responsible for organizing, planning, coordinating and evaluating strategies and programmes for implementing, delivery and improvement of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This will be done in accordance with the government’s policies and regulations to ensure the appropriate balance in the delivery of health services. 

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate must possess: 

• DM or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry 
• Post graduate Degree specializing in Public Health 
• Registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica 
• Management experience/training 
• Minimum of three (3) years’ post graduate experience 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Sound knowledge of the National Health Policy 
• In-depth 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 
• Thorough knowledge of Sustainable development Goals 
• Sound knowledge of social, cultural and economic factors impacting on health 
• Knowledge of management practices and procedures 
• Research methodology and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent leadership skills 
• Excellent planning, organising and time management skills 
• Sound technical knowledge 
• Excellent team building skills 
• Decision making skills 
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and in oral and written format 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Consulting and collaborating with the Regional Psychiatrist, Medical Officers of Health (MO (H)) and Senior Medical Officers in ensuring the integration of services through an adequate, fully functional and responsive referral system. 
• Providing technical programme input in the development of the Corporate plan, Operational plans and Annual budget consistent with strategic objectives & in keeping with local/regional needs and national and regional guidelines. 
• Maintaining liaison with the Psychiatrist and Mental Health team to ensure that the delivery of Child and Adolescent mental health services in the region are consistent with government’s overall policy direction. 
• Planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Psycho-social programmes in consultation with Medical Officers of Health, Senior Medical Officers, Regional Consultants and other health personnel. 
• Participating in the review and evaluation of legislation, regulations and standards pertaining to Child and Adolescent mental health programme/services island wide.
• Providing leadership in improving the quality of child and adolescent mental health service delivery within the region. 
• Providing specialist consultation to the major hospitals and health centers and other organizations. 
• Receiving and analyzing Child and adolescent mental health statistics from all facilities, advising the Regional Technical Director on priorities, new programmes, etc.
• Coordinating and facilitating 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) 
• Spearheading professional activities related to Child and Adolescent mental health care delivery at the regional/national level on request. 
• Identifying and submitting training needs for professional staff and participating in the development and execution of in service training programmes for all categories of staff.
• Participating in the selection, evaluation and recruitment of technical/professional staff.
• Planning, organizing and conducting research and data analysis in matters related to Child and Adolescent mental health services in the region. 
• Monitoring the Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Education Programmes.
• Coordinating the regional Child and Adolescent emergency mental health services in collaboration with the Region and Ministry of Health Emergency Management Team/Unit. 
• Providing technical supervision to Psychiatric residents and Mental Health Officers, Psychologists, Social workers 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED