Psychiatric Clinical Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Psychiatric Clinical Officer to the calling of Medical Teams International by collaborating with other medical staff on the integration of psychiatric treatment with basic healthcare services to ensure the treatment of patients suffering from severe and common psychiatric disorders.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients with mental illnesses psychiatric disorder; refer complicated cases to Medical Officer. 
• Administer use of and monitor reactions to psychotropic and other medications. 
• Support client in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and mental illness and accepting the need for treatment with specific attention to the cultural context. 
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of patient treatments and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping and Medical Teams policies. 
• Participate in community mobilization and sensitization on mental health issues. 
• Support medicine management for psychiatric drugs for regional health facilities in close collaboration with the Medical Coordinator. 
• Provide training for medical staff on diagnosis and treatment of severe and common mental health disorders. 
• Ensure data collected is accurate and submit reports according to schedule. 
• Ensure medical practices are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics according to professional and Medical Teams codes of conduct. 

Other Duties: 

• Ensure the Safeguarding of program participants and employees through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Child & Vulnerable Adult protection, and harassment-free workplace policies. Incumbents will remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding code of conduct and behavior expectations.  
• Utilize volunteers when appropriate. 
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION, LICENSES & CERTIFICICATIONS

Required:

• Diploma in Psychiatric Clinical medicine from recognised institution
• Registration with Allied Health Professionals Council  
• Valid practising license

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 2 years of psychiatric medicine practice

Preferred:

• Experience working with INGOs.
• Proficiency in using computer applications, especially Microsoft 365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITITES

Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of professional psychiatric medicine principles, procedures and techniques use in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients 
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy; symptoms and behaviour patterns of patients with emotional disturbances and mental illness 
• Knowledge of medications, including psychotropic drugs, and the control, preparation and administration of medications

Skills: 

• Skilled in applying professional psychiatric medicine principles and procedures in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric patients 
• Skilled in developing interpersonal therapeutic relationship with psychiatric patients 
• Skilled in assessment and application of appropriate intervention techniques 
• Skilled in effectively communicating with a variety of individuals and able to function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy 
• Skilled at time management
• Skilled at building and maintaining a high functioning, high performing work team 
• Excellent interpersonal, relational and communication skills 
• A good command of both written and spoken English 

Abilities: 

• Commitment to Medical Teams International Calling Statement and Core Values: Courageous, Tenacious, Accountable, Selfless, and Not Alone
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information and adhere to professional code of conduct 
• Ability to treat all patients and staff with respect, without prejudice 
• Ability to provide high quality, ethical, compassionate care that places the needs of the patient first 
• Ability to maintain detailed records with high accuracy 
• Ability to maintain self-control and high levels of ethics and integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively with others 

 

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Frequent use of a computer, databases and digital platforms, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and computer printer. 
• Frequently uses hands, fingers, and arms to reach, handle, touch or feel equipment, medical instruments, materials, computer. 
• Frequent communication and exchange of information among colleagues and persons of concern which requires the ability to speak, hear, convey and express oneself. 
• Frequent close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, steps, or ladder depending on the role.
• Occasionally move about inside an office to access file cabinets, office machinery, meet with colleagues, etc. 
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move heavy items 
• Seldom to occasionally positions oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• If in travel status, occasional to frequent traversing over rough or steep terrain in either a motor vehicle or on foot. 

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. 
• The employee may be required to travel to remote areas of the world where there are potential health hazards and risks, limited hygiene facilities, extreme weather, and very basic living conditions. 

NOTE: 

• The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position. Duties, responsibilities and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department or organization. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change.

 

• Medical Teams International is an equal opportunity employer and  DOES  NOT  at any stage of the recruitment process (application, Shortlisting, interview meeting, processing, reference verification, training) request candidates to make payments of any kind. Further, Medical Teams International Uganda  DOES  NOT  retain any agent to conduct recruitments on behalf of the organization. Please note that under NO  circumstances shall Medical Teams International Uganda be held liable or responsible for any claims, losses, damages, expenses or other inconvenience resulting from or in any way connected to the actions of fraudsters and other false agents.

• Medical Teams Internatio