MEDICAL DOCTOR

MEDICAL DOCTOR

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

JOB DESCRIPTION – MEDICAL DOCTOR (ASSESSMENT CENTRE)

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Job Title: Medical Doctor

Department:Assessment

Section:       Care Services

Reports to:  Team/Lead (Assessment) / Assessment Manager

Direct Reports:     

Indirect Reports:

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THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2014

UNSUITABLE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED

JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Doctor will be responsible for providing professional management, intervention and care for children who are being seen at the Assessment Centre. This involves obtaining medical history and health status, performing general and/or forensic medical examination of children, diagnosing, advising and carrying out the necessary basic treatment and care of children as well as, making referrals for further professional attention.    

These services will be delivered in keeping with best practice, while respecting and promoting the rights of the child; showing sensitivity to children’s issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Attends to the emotional care of the child in need of care and protection, as it relates to the medical assessment.

• Conducts clinical interviews to obtain relevant medical historical information.

• Performs an in-depth general medical and/or forensic examination on children.

• Collects and packages physical evidence retrieved from forensic medical examination, if applicable.

• Makes referrals to other medical services as required.

   

• Ensures a chain of custody of the evidence.

• Provides treatment of any injuries and conditions (e.g. providing analgesia, prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), pregnancy counselling and prophylaxis as needed etc.).

• Contributes findings and recommendations towards the development of individual Treatment Plans to address medical needs of the child.

• Maintains detailed client medical records on the Authority’s Child Protection Information System.

• Prepares a medical report for use in a Court of law.

• Testifies in Court, if required.

• Participates in multidisciplinary case conferencing to address complex issues related to the abuse of a child.

• Consults with the Consultant Paediatrician on complex child cases.

• Contributes towards the development of policy and procedure by providing expert advice on child protection issues.

• Ensures services delivered at the Assessment Centre contribute toward safeguarding children by working closely with members of the multidisciplinary team.

• Supports the development and maintenance of a team environment by performing other related duties.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications and participating in professional societies and advising on trends in child protection and medical services management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Training as evidenced by the possession of a recognised medical degree.

• Registration as a medical practitioner by the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago.

• Three (3) years’ post internship experience.

• Experience in related health areas e.g. general practice, child mental health, gynaecology and obstetrics.

• Specialty training in child abuse will be an asset.

• Clinical experience in child protection will be an asset.

• Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

   

  REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Public Health Ordinances and medical jurisprudence.

• Ability to examine patients, collect evidential samples, and to prescribe and administer necessary treatment.

• Knowledge about the principles and practices of medicine including the diagnosis of a variety of diseases and injuries.

• Ability to use genitor-urinary instruments.

• Knowledge about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

• Knowledge about the local law as it applies to children in the court process.

• Confidentiality with respect to information records concerning families and children.

• Ability to use tact and be sensitive when dealing with patients and families.
• Demonstrable interest in children, their needs and rights.

• Child-friendly approach to working  with children.