Medical Doctor- Psychiatrist

The Department of Health Services invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Medical Doctor- Psychiatrist

MANDATE

The Specialist Psychiatrist must ensure the provision of a high standard of Mental Health Care to the residents and visitors of Anguilla and ensure that patients receive adequate and appropriate psychiatric management in a timely and effective manner.

The Specialist is also expected to assist in the formulation of policies, guidelines and protocols relative to evidence-based, high quality, patient centered care.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Evaluation of patients with psychiatric, emotional, cognitive, psychological, social, behavioural and medical conditions by interviewing patient, family, and other persons; conducting physical examinations; observing behaviors; reviewing medical history and related documents; selecting, administering, and interpreting psychological tests; and ordering laboratory and other diagnostic investigations and evaluating results.
• Development of treatment plans by determining the nature and extent of psychiatric, emotional, cognitive, psychological, social, behavioural and medical disorders and establishment of treatment goals and methodologies.
• Treatment of patients through the utilization of biological, psychological and social therapeutic methods and medications; discussion of progress toward goals with patients; provision of instructions; monitoring of the effect of medications; and supervising staff provision of services.
• Participation in interdisciplinary treatment by reviewing treatment plans and progress, and consulting and collaborating with primary care physicians, psychologists, social workers and substance use counsellors, nurses, and other health care providers.
• Assurance of quality and safe service delivery for patients by developing and/or enforcing mental health policies and procedures in collaboration with other health care providers / stakeholders in health and by the provision of staff training.
• Maintenance of appropriate and accurate electronic and written (where necessary) mental health records for patients under review, in a timely manner.
• Conduct of psychiatric evaluations for patients within the DHS and upon the request of external stakeholders inclusive of the Judiciary, Her Majesty’s Prison and Social Services as necessary.
• Participation in continuing medical educational opportunities locally, regionally and internationally.
• Enhancement of department and organization reputation by exploring opportunities to add value to the delivery of mental health services within Anguilla.

 KEY DUTIES

• Conduct regular in-and out-patient psychiatric services within the DHS through collaboration with other staff assigned for the provision of mental health services. Such staff may include other psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, substance use counsellors, mental health nurses, mental health aides and other staff as deemed necessary.
• Conduct psychiatric clinics at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP).
• Conduct a complete psychiatric assessment of all assigned or referred patients and develop an appropriate management plan for the patients evaluated.
• Ensure accurate, complete and timely documentation of medical findings, management, progress, follow-up plans, and patient and caregiver interactions in electronic health records, medical reports and other required versions of the patient record.
• Prepare discharge plans for community management of Psychiatric in-patients.
• Conduct psychiatric evaluations on persons referred from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Primary Care Clinics, Her Majesty’s Prison, the Judiciary and Social Services.
• Implement and monitor community mental health programs in collaboration with community mental health nurses and aides, psychologists, substance use counsellors, social workers and Ministry of Health and Social Development officials.
• Work collaboratively with hospital-based physicians, nurses, psychologists, substance use counsellors and social workers in the care of psychiatric in-patients.
• Provide supportive therapy / psychotherapy to clients.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism within the DHS.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the DHS or Ministry of Health and Social Development.
• Provide a range of medical services for the enhancement of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare.
• Ensure accurate, complete and timely documentation of imaging results in electronic health records, medical reports and other required versions of the patient record.
• Adhere to all DHS rules and regulations and place client safety as first priority.
• Coordinate referrals to other specialists, sub-specialists and/or tertiary health care institutions as required.
• Provide technical assistance to other health care professionals in the implementation of DHS health programmes and services.
• Perform other related duties as required by the job function.
• Act as a catalyst for change, model change and build capacity for managing change throughout the ministry/department/organization. Influence others to translate vision into action.
• Create and support a culture that focusses on creativity, innovation and knowledge.
• Promote a culture of open and transparent communication.
• Embrace technology by utilizing all available ICT/media/mass communication to ensure that relevant messages and/or responses to the service offered are disseminated accurately, courteously and timely.
• Hold up the Leadership Statement as a mirror to your own behaviour in a challenging and constructive way.
• Foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration
• Participate in disaster management activities designed to prepare for, mitigate against and respond to disaster events.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving and maintaining a high level of patient and client satisfaction in the public sector.

 SCOPE OF THE JOB

Psychiatrists will be required to work in a variety of settings, including the Princess Alexandra Hospital, clinics and other locations designated for the fulfilling of community outreach programmes, performing the duties so outlined in this job description and other appropriate functions and duties assigned by DHS management.

It is a full time position including on call duties.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must possess sound knowledge of operations, practices, procedures, standards, specifications and work methods, interpersonal communication, computer skills, communicative, analytical and diagnostic ability and interpretative judgment.

 Such knowledge, skills and abilities are normally obtained through the acquisition of a Specialist Medical Degree or Medical Degree plus Board certified specialty. Applicant should have three (3) years post qualification experience in a similar or related job.