Community Mental Health Officer (St. Ann, Jamaica) - St. Ann Health Department

The North-East Regional Health Authority, a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Wellness with responsibility for the management and delivery of public health services within the parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland, is seeking strong, dynamic, and proactive individuals to fill the position of Community Mental Health Officer (HPC/RN 3) at the St. Ann Health Department. Reporting to the Medical Officer (Health), the successful candidate will be responsible for providing clinical care; follow up treatment, rehabilitation and advocacy services at the community level for persons living with mental illness.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Registered General Nurse
• Certified Psychiatric Nurse (Six months Post Basic Programme)
• Certificate in Nursing Administration or Management studies, no less than six (6) months from an accredited institution
• A Minimum of three (3) years post-registration practice in general health, mental health or other areas of nursing.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge of and skill in interpreting the Mental Health Act
• Knowledge of theories and techniques in counselling
• Knowledge of key stake-holders pertinent to mental health and the delineation of roles and responsibilities
• Undertakes clinical, educational, administrative and public relations activities within the parish or health district
• Participates in extensive health promotional/educational activities
• Knowledge and use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual Classification system
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of psycho-pharmacology and other therapies
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to initiate and manage change
• Computer literate

Key Responsibilities will include:
Management and Administration

• Undertakes clinical, educational, administrative and public relations responsibilities within a parish or health district.
• Assists in monitoring clinical standards at the parish level and facilitates audit processes.
• Demonstrates commitment to providing quality care, proper risk management and optimal resource utilization.

Technical

• Conducts multi-generational family assessment including psychosocial, functional, developmental history and mental status examination.
• ▪ Counsels and educates patients/other family members on health behaviour, self-care skills and treatment options.
• Liaises internally with other health professionals and other members of the health team
• Liaises with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Police, Social Services, Citizen’s
• Associations, Religious Organizations, Schools, Business Organization, Health Agencies

Human Resource

• Conducts performance evaluation for staff members
• Delegates functions to appropriate staff
• Effect disciplinary measures toward staff members where necessary
• Facilitate provision of social welfare services for staff
• Facilitate staff development through on-going educational activities
• Education
• Plans and implements psycho-educational and health promotional activities for clients, their families and communities
• Participates in in-service education programmes in the health facilities and training of health care personnel
• Facilitates implementation of new approaches in the delivery of mental health care to clients and groups in different settings
• Participates in ongoing educational activities such as conferences, seminars workshops and clinical experiences related to specialty and professional issues
• Promotes advancement of the profession through participation in professional organization.

Research

• Utilizes the scientific approach to problem solving and decision-making
• Contributes to nursing knowledge by participating in conducting research geared towards
• improving evidence-based practice
• Collects, organizes, critically analyzes and interprets data.
• Records findings clearly, concisely and systematically

REMUNERATION PACKAGE PER ANNUM:

• Salary Scale: $5,055,684 - $6,009,620

Applications along with resume should be submitted no later than Friday, 2025 February 21 to:

The Director,
Human Resource Management & Development,
North-East Regional Health Authority,
34-38 Ocean Village Shopping Centre, Ocho Rios,
St. Ann.
E-mail: jobs@nerha.gov.jm or Fax: (876) 795–2747

WE THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR RESPONDING, HOWEVER, ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.