Clinical Officer

Background:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala. The IRC will be moving into additional/new locations in refugee settlements in Kiryandongo and Zombo.

The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements. Similar services will be extended to the new locations starting January 2020.

Job Overview/ Summary:

Under the supervision and guidance of the health facility in-charge, the CO is expected to develop the capacity of subordinates by provision of on-the site clinical mentorship, support supervision and organizing for continuous medical education or continuous professional development for the facility staffs. S/he will be expected to work within the health facility and also offer services in the community in the catchment area; and collaborate with the health implementing partners in the settlement. Responsibilities may include supervision of health staff, developing project review meetings and coordinating with the appropriate stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities:

•  Offer daily clinical assessment and prescription of treatment for all patients attending the health unit.
• Ensure proper documentation of the history, examination findings, investigations and treatment prescribed.
• Refer to the doctor in charge or to the doctor on call challenging cases and relevant information such as patient’s status and laboratory results, which would assist in proper clinical management.
• Conduct minor surgical procedures in the OPD minor theatre i.e. stitching cut wounds, I&D of abscesses, removal of minor foreign bodies etc.
• Actively participate in weekly CME’s held at the health facility or health post.
• Do health facility coverage and on-call as required.
• Participate in camp health surveys/campaigns.
• Assist in daily morning ward rounds of admitted patients with the medical officer assigned to the ward and contribute to bedside teachings to junior staff.
• Ensure complete and accurate inventory of medicines and supplies located at the health unit and monitor and supervise their usage.
• Liaises with other cadres in the unit in the delivery of quality health care to patients
• Adheres to professional codes of conduct and ethics.
• Provide health talks to patients/clients on day-to-day basis.
• Carry out other relevant duties as may be required or assigned by your supervisor.