Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of MEDICAL OFFICER – REGION 6 (Soufriere and environs) at the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

1. Responsible for the clinical and public health of the community served.

2. Liaises with other department heads on matters regarding adverse clinical and public health trends and their management.  

3. Required to respond whenever necessary to the Medical Officer of Health, Chief Medical Officer and the Permanent Secretary on matters relating to work in progress.

4. Works closely with the multi-disciplinary team (Nursing supervisor, Community Health Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Inspector/Nurse, Pharmacist, Nutritionist, Community Health Aide and Attendant) at primary care health institutions and assists in the  management and delivery of clinical and public health services.

2. DUTIES AND TASKS

1. Carries out medical clinics at district health centres, polyclinics, hospitals or other outposts as required by the Ministry of Health.

2. Utilizes at all possible times the Health Management Information System (HMIS) at the Wellness Centers.

3. Assists in the day-to-day planning and decision making process as may be required of him/her by team members.

4. Participates in community outreach programs.

5. Accepts calls from the District Nurse for advice on matters relating to patients and other problems which may be encountered in the absence of the officer.

6. Accepts responsibility for the care of patients in the respective community who are unable to attend the Wellness Centers.

7. Certifies the health status of individuals where necessary involving examination of the client, interpretation of laboratory results and the signing of relevant forms.

8. Attends, as mandated, all meetings, symposia, conferences, and workshops organized by the Ministry of Health.  Invitations will be given by the Senior Medical Officer, Medical Officer of Health or Chief Medical Officer.

9. Examines workers from government ministries or other persons who are entitled to free medical examinations from government when called upon.  (Routine general examinations for the purpose of purchasing private insurance are not allowed at the Wellness Centers.)

3. CONDITIONS

1. Must maintain confidentiality in all matters of the job.

2. General office accommodation is provided for at the Ministry of Health.

3. Functions in a scheduled traveling post and will receive basic travel allowance in accordance with approved rates. (Mileage is claimed for distances between the base facility and the “out District” Health Centers. The base health facilities are determined on a regional basis and are Castries Health Center, Dennery Hospital, Vieux-Fort Health Center, Soufriere Hospital and Gros-Islet Polyclinic.)

4. Required to maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties.

5. Expected to work for five days per week. Part time officers are expected to work for 4 hrs per day for 5 days while full time officers work for 8 hrs per day for 5 days. District Medical Officers may be required to carry out clinics on Saturday mornings (in such cases the officer will be allotted the necessary time off in the week or will be compensated for work in excess the stipulated working hours.)

6. All professional fees for home visits are at the discretion of the physician.

7. A District Medical Officer is not confined to a single district and may be re-assigned/transferred to another district at the written request of the Senior Medical Officer.

8. The District Medical Officer is entitled to the fees as per regulations for the certification of the health status of persons.

9. Institutional support including opportunities for personal development and career advancement is provided through appropriate civil service provisions and guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

10. The officer must avail himself/herself for personal development and career advancement through established orientation, on-the-job training and short, medium and long term training whenever such opportunities arise.

11. May be asked to carry out extra clinics in situations where health coverage may be at risk or is compromised e.g. staff shortages.  Due remuneration or time off will be provided.

12. Salary is in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated by Government in the Annual Estimates of Expenditure/Collective Agreement.

13. Medical qualifications recognized by the Medical Council of Saint Lucia is required and should be current/valid.

14. Compliance with the aforementioned duties and tasks, Civil Service Rules and Regulations and the code of Professional Conduct.

15. This post is non-pensionable according to the Pensions Act of February 2003.

4. EVALUATION METHOD:

Work performance will be evaluated on the basis of the following:

1. Effective implementation of duties as outlined in the job description.

2. Ability to communicate and relate well to co-workers and patients.

3. Overall professional attitude.

4. Participation in multi-disciplinary team meetings.

5. Completion of required paperwork in a timely manner.

6. Demonstrated team building abilities.

7. Proven knowledge and understanding of, and effective application of Civil Service administration rules, guidelines and departmental operations and procedures.

5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. A working knowledge of and interpretation of rules and regulations, operating procedures, staff orders, financial and store rules, collective agreements, etc. which bind the public service.

2. Knowledge of and ability to operate within professional and ethical guidelines.

3. Time management – must be able to manage and utilize work time properly and effectively.

4. Possess excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.

5. Demonstrates team building abilities.

6. Possess effective listening skills.

7. Effective leadership and management skills.

8. Ability to provide excellent patient care and procedural skills.

9. Ability to analyze issues, present findings and make necessary recommendations.

10. Strong understanding of established bio-medical, clinical and related sciences.

11. Must be computer literate especially in word processing applications and adept in the use of the internet and social media.

12. Must be competent in the mandatory use of the health management information system at primary and secondary health care facilities.

6. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent medical degree that is recognized by the Saint Lucia Medical Council with at least two years post medical internship hospital experience.

2. Minimum of 1 year Medical Internship, 2 years hospital experience and enrolled in an accredited post graduate Public Health, Family Medicine or Primary Care / Community Medicine program.   Experience in an Accident and Emergency Department is an asset

7. SALARY

Salary is at the rate of $65,789.93 Grade 15, Step 1.

Applications on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Application Form along with certified copies of pertinent documents in addition to two (2) recent testimonials and one (1) passport sized photograph should be submitted to:

The Secretary

Public Service Commission

Sir Stanislaus James Building

The Waterfront

Castries

Saint Lucia

To reach her no later than February 20, 2015

 Unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged.

Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be shortlisted for interviews.