Mental Health Training Officer

Our client, a Private Higher Education Institute is starting a project to implement data driven, evidence based approaches to support access to appropriate mental health care for numerous health and mental conditions. This project requires a Mental Health Training Officer to support the program manager. SANC/HPCSA registration is essential with a minimum of 7 years’ experience working within mental health programmes within the public, private and/or civil society health systems within South Africa.

Please note that the salary falls within the Occupation Specific Dispensation remuneration scope. 

Qualifications Required:

• Registered Nurse with Psychiatric Nursing qualification or;
• Clinical Associate with experience in the field of Mental Health.

A General management qualification or Project Management qualification will be advantageous, as well as any experience with US Government assisted funds and knowledge of CDC Rules & Regulations. 

Additional requirements:

• Proficiency in reading, speaking and writing in English
• Proficiency in any additional South African language(s) will be advantageous
• Valid drivers license and own vehicle
• Willingness to travel extensively
• Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19

Duties included but not limited to:

• Reviews and gap analysis of existing policies, guidelines and SOPs to identify opportunities to strengthen PHC MH activities.
• Ensuring provincial and district realities are included in technical assistance provided at a national level.
• To support the development of position papers to inform roundtable discussions at provincial and district level.
• To identify stakeholders, and support organizations providing mental health related care
• Manage translation of national level project policy and strategy outcomes to provincial, district and PEPFAR district support partner’s (DSP) level.
• To support the creation of, and to provide secretariat services to district level consultative forums.
• To implement continuous monitoring and evaluation structures for stakeholder programs.
• To support stakeholders with MH intervention teams.
• To support capacity development of public sector and DSP staff on the MH needs and services
• To conduct audits of training in PHC facilities.
• To provide technical advice to provincial and district level government and DSP staff on MH service improvement.
• To support stakeholders with the development and implementation of referral and counter referral strategies and implementation plans.
• To support stakeholder efforts including targeted intervention that prioritize underperforming facilities.
• To work with DSPs and District Management Teams to ensure deployment of digital health solutions and HCW awareness of self-care solutions.