Manager Mental Health

Job Purpose:

Develop and coordinate activities of Mental Health Programme in accordance with polices and procedures established by the Ministry of Health and provide technical advice to the Chief Medical Officer and the Regional Health Authority. Ensure the implementation of the mental health policy to improve the quality of service delivery, accessibility and community care. The Manager is responsible for the development of good practice guidelines on effective interventions in primary, secondary, tertiary care and interagency collaboration. The Manager, Mental Health Programme is expected to assist in developing effective links between the Ministry of Health/Regional Health Authorities, the community and the mental health care providers and relevant civil organizations. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the implementation of the activities for the Ministry of Health’s annual action plan of the mental health program. 
• Facilitates the operationalization of the mental health policies and include provisions children and adolescents. 
• Coordinates the process of updating the Mental Health Legislation according to the Mental Health Policy. 
• Develops guidelines for quality assurance in mental health care, as part of the delivery of relevant services at the regional level (Day hospitals, sheltered housing, mental health clinics, acute Units). 
• Monitors and evaluates programme performance at the regional and national level. 
• Advises the Chief Medical Officer on training needs to ensure that they are updated with the new developments and to maintain a staff and patient ratio according to the WHO standards.
• Ensures the development of mental health information systems at all levels which will allow for synchronization of information and to make data available for monitoring and evaluation. 
• Develops and guides the implementation of public awareness plan to educate school personnel and the police department about mental health promotion, prevention and management of mental health problems. 
• Assists in the development of a National Plan for the delivery of mental health services during disasters and emergencies. 
• Prepares and submits bimonthly reports of the achievement of Director and programme. 

Advocacy/Leadership 

• Serve as a liaison between the mental health program and Government and non governmental agencies. 
• Be an advocate for clients in the mental health system, protecting their human rights and dignity and ensuring quality care. 
• Promote public awareness against stigma and discrimination. 
• Provide leadership in developing innovative community mental health program.
• Support the formation of self-help groups. 

Education/Research

• With appropriate support from the Chief Medical Officer, attend annual seminars, workshops or conferences locally and abroad. 
• Facilitate the development of research in the mental health care services. 
• Maintain an active membership in selected national and international medical organizations. 
• Provide assistance to conduct studies on the prevalence of mental disorders and their impact in their communities.

Minimum Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Master Degree in Psychology/Psychiatry from a recognized University. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of National and International policies and standards that govern mental health. 
• Demonstrates leadership skill with ability to create, promote and participate in a team environment. 
• Proven leadership skills in the development and implementation of mental health programs. 
• Able to work around barriers to achieve goals of the Mental Health program within the Ministry of Health. 
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team. 
• Good communication and presentation skill. 
• Knowledge of mental health care that is human right based.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those persons who meet minimum qualifications and experience required for the position which they applied will be contacted.