MH Occupational Therapist

Period of Performance: Present to December 31^st, 2019

Level of Effort:

• Conduct needs assessments and provide appropriate interventions to Community Mental Health Center patients, supporting mental and physical health and wellness, rehabilitation, habilitation through a recovery-oriented approach.
• Part-time consultant (4 days a week, 9am – 3pm)

Purpose:

This position, in close collaboration with the FPS MHPSS Project Coordinator and programmatic team and the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) should assist patients of the Zahle Community Mental Health Center to live as independently as possible in the community while engaging in meaningful and productive life roles.

Main Tasks:

• Assess the capacities of patients and identify needs in terms of rehabilitation
• Provide safe, appropriate interventions
• Actively engage with CMHC team members for the holistic care of patients and their families/caregivers
• Conduct recovery-oriented activities that promote patient integration/inclusion in their community and the development of life skills
• Capacitate care-givers with skills to better support children

Scope of Work:

• Assess the level of participation, or reduced participation, in occupational settings (from personal and environmental perspectives), using culturally appropriate standardized and/or observation-based assessment tools 
• According to the outcome of the patient needs assessment (taking into account daily activities, the participation of the care-giver, access to services, etc), contribute to the development of the patient care plan by elaborating appropriate interventions that promote the person as the center of their own recovery
• Provide comprehensive, holistic interventions to the patient and family/caretaker based on the objectives of the patient and in accordance with international rehabilitation standards
• Modify and grade interventions (and the intervention plan) to recognize individual needs, learning styles and preferences
• Evaluate intervention outcomes, including patient's satisfaction, and modify interventions to better enhance recovery and build resilience
• Refer patients to other services through the case managers when needed, including for assistive devices
• Maintain thorough, up-to-date patient files (assessment, care plan, and progress notes, etc) and report pertinent treatment developments to the relevant CMHC team members in a timely and organized fashion
• Evaluate and adapt the environment at home, work, school, and other environments to promote an individual's optimal functioning
• Conduct regular educational programs and treatment groups to address assertiveness, self-awareness, interpersonal and social skills, stress management, and role development (e.g., parenting skills)
• Work with patients to develop leisure or avocational interests and pursuits
• Facilitate the development of skills needed for independent living such as using community resources, managing one's home, managing medication, and being safe at home and in the community
• Provide training in activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene and grooming)
• Determine readiness to engage in occupations such as work, self-care and leisure
• Provide guidance and consultation to persons in all employment settings
• Enable the person in recovery to identify and develop plans to engage in meaningful occupations as a means of enhancing mental health
• Conduct field visits when required based on the patients’ needs
• Provide evaluation and treatment for sensory processing deficits
• Build the capacities of CMHC team members on assessing rehabilitation needs and offering appropriate interventions
• Work in a constructive way with CMHC team members, provide an occupational perspective in team meetings, and proactively provide technical advice when relevant
• Develop/revise programs, activities, tools and any other technical supports needed for the proper integration and functioning of the occupational therapist within the multidisciplinary team setting
• Project a positive, cooperative attitude at the CMHC and demonstrate a willingness to improve professional competencies and abilities to increase care quality
• Participate at the monthly technical meetings and other meetings when required
• Any other tasks assigned by the direct supervisor (MHPSS team leader) or programmatic team in accordance to the scope of work

Qualifications:

• Education/experience
  • At least 3 years of experience in occupational therapy.
  • Hold a BS in occupational therapy is required.
  • Able to take initiative within a defined framework.
  • Personal interest in community mental health.
  • Previous NGO experience is preferred.

• Skills
  • Familiarity with IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support In Emergency Settings and mhGAP is a plus
  • Good command of English (speaking & writing). Fluent in spoken Arabic
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Adaptability and flexibility in working within complex and dynamic environment, including field visits in areas outside of the Zahle CMHC where patients reside (e.g. ITS)
  • Excellent skills in presenting complex technical information in an easily comprehensible way.

Deliverables:

• Completion of clinic files, including patients’ files and ongoing monitoring data collection sheets

Location of Work: ​ Zahle and Bekaa area with occasional visits to Beirut