JOB DETAILS:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world's leading crisis response agencies, providing life-saving assistance and supporting recovery and reconstruction for people affected by war and natural disasters. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.
The IRC was registered in Uganda in mid-1998 and implements rehabilitation activities in the sectors of Child and Youth Protection and development, Health, Economic recovery and Development and women protection and empowerment as well as contributing to the response to the Southern Sudanese Refugee situation. IRC Uganda has a head office in Kampala, field offices in Lamwo, Moroto, Kyaka and West Nile.

Job Overview:
Under the supervision of health facility in-charge, the psychiatric clinical officer will be responsible for provision of mental health care and psychosocial services to patients. S/he will be expected to work within the heath facility, health posts and community within the catchment areas and collaborate with the integrated community health program to implement project activities. Responsibilities include assessing patients' mental status and developing treatment plans and making referrals to the appropriate services points. This may also require provision of crisis intervention services to patients who are a danger to themselves or others. She/he will monitor patient’s treatment progress and keep track of the mental status. Keep records of all mental health patient/client. She/he will spend approximately 80% of his/her time in the field both at the health facility, health posts and in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with mental illness.
• Participating in planning, budgeting, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating psychiatric activities.

• Referring complicated cases to appropriate level of care.

• Ensuring maximum protection of patients, relatives, and staff.
• Conducting community sensitization about mental health.

• Initiating and participating in research activities.
• Imparting knowledge and skills to staff during CME and mentorship.

• Carrying out human resource management activities like identifying manpower and training needs.
• Compiling and submitting periodic reports.
• Sharing information regarding improvement of mental healthcare.
Reporting and coordination:
• Collect and check the accuracy and quality of the monthly health data (patient statistics, case specific segregation and mental health drugs utilization data)
• Collaborate with clinic staff and warehouse colleagues to prepare inventory and consumption reports of medical supplies.

• Participate in developing community networks to support mental health patients in the community.
• Participate in the mental health working group coordination meetings and represent the IRC.
Capacity building:
• Evaluate clinical management skill and psychosocial counsellors’ skills, assess their training needs and monitor progress.
• Carry out on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship of subordinates

• Prepare training materials for on-the-job training sessions
• Liaise with other partners and advocate for matters related to mental health issues.
• Support individual counseling and psychoeducation to individuals, families and communities about mental health issues.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must have a Diploma in mental health or its equivalent from a recognized Institution.
• Must be registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council.
• Must have worked in a health care setting for at least one year providing mentor health services.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and good interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated Knowledge of project management.
• Demonstrated counseling skills.
• Fluency and strong writing skills in English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.