Sessional Psychiatrist

The Commissioner, Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced Medical Professionals to fill the position of Sessional Psychiatrist.

Responsibility to the Director, Medical Services the Sessional Psychiatrist is responsible to plan,  manage and implement health services within the correctional institutions aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating mental disorder, operating within national guidelines and meeting the highest standard of care.

Qualification & Experience

• Holder of a post graduate qualification in Psychiatry
• Three (3) years as a Psychiatric Resident in a hospital setting

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attends new psychiatric patients/referrals  using standard psychiatric history taking format, diagnose and initiate treatment using Bio-Psycho-Social frame work.
• Reviews ALL odd patients and making necessary adjustment of diagnoses and
  medications.
• Makes appropriate referrals for necessary laboratory and psychometric tests.
• Offers technical advice to Psychiatric Aides within the Institution.
• Diagnoses and initiate treatment and offer counseling to psychiatric cases and make
  appropriate referrals.
• Assess forensic psychiatric cases and provide fitness to plea report to court.
• Assesses and screen substance abusers and to initiate treatment and crisis intervention management to Rehabilitation centres.
• Plans, organizes and executes mental health education and promotion activities within the institution as required.
• Refers patients to psychologists, social workers as needed.
• Collaborates with medical officers of clinics/hospitals in general health care delivery.
• Submit monthly report and annual report to Director, Medical Services as instructed in a format provided.

Performance Standards

• Mental Health Care provided in accordance with MOH and the established guidelines.
• Appropriate referrals made on a timely basis.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent knowledge in the diagnoses and treatment of a variety in  psychiatric/psychological conditions
• Ability to conduct important research in the management of psychiatric disorder
• Ability to determine detrimental psychological issues that can lead to criminal activity.
• The ability to determine the impact of developmental, behavioral and emotional
  disorders on adolescent behavior (adolescent psychiatry).

Note

Remuneration: Emoluments in accordance with Government of Jamaica rates.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Contact

Senior Director

HRM and Administration

Department of Correctional Services
5-7 King Street

Kingston

 

Email: vacancy@dcs.gov.jm

Base Salary: Undisclosed