Regional Psychiatrist (HPC/MO 4) - Regional Office

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to 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 consistency in the delivery of health services. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical inputs in the development of corporate, operational and budgets in keeping with national guidelines 
• Consult and collaborate with the coordinating Medical Officers of Health and Senior Medical Officers in ensuring the integration of services through an adequate, fully functional and responsive referral system 
• Provides clinical consultation to Psychiatric staff in the region on complex problems or cases where technical expertise is needed 
• Develop and monitor standards for the delivery of mental health services in the region
• Spearhead educational programmes to build awareness of mental health issues and to improve the knowledge and kills amongst staff 
• Promote intersectoral collaboration in the planning of health care delivery in respect to mental health and evaluation of mental health programmes through liaisons with the private health care delivery system, related government and non-government agencies and institutions at the community level 
• 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 
• Assessment and management of in-patient clients, outpatient clients and forensic clients
• Determine eligibility of clients referred from Court to participate in drug court programme 
• Assess and manage clients attending Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic
• Facilitate teaching ward round and case conferences 
• 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.
• Psychiatric assessment of persons referred by Medical Board 
• Collaborate with government and nongovernment organizations in developing programme and/or strategies to prevent mental illness and promote good mental health
• Provide regular review of the Psychiatric services to aid in effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation 

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 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 
• Knowledge of management practices and procedures 
• Excellent human relations skills and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels
• Well developed planning, organizing and decision making skills 
• Good time management skills 
• Well developed written and oral communication skills 

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• DM or equivalent post graduate qualification in Psychiatry 
• Post graduate degree specializing in public health 
• A minimum of five (5) years postgraduate experience 
• Sound knowledge of Public Health Laws and Regulations and Mental Health Act
• In depth knowledge of the principles and methods of psychiatry 
• Management experience/training would be an asset 

NB: ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED.