Psychosocial Support delegate - Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Psycho-Social Support (PSS) Delegate.

As part of the coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Canadian Red Cross is seeking qualified personnel to join the fight against Ebola. The response requires efforts on multiple fronts, including community outreach, contact tracing, surveillance, management of human remains and case management. This job description covers a profile required specifically for the case management component. Selected applicants will be deployed to a Red Cross Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in West Africa between mid-November 2014 and April 2015.

Every mission will initially be limited to four weeks internationally due to the hardship of having to work under heavy personal protective equipment. Prior to deployment, the Red Cross will provide you with mission-specific training including an extensive practical course on Ebola and related safety procedures. During the mission, you will be working in a well-established ETC. After deployment, the Red Cross will extend your contract by an additional three weeks rest period during which you will be instructed on how to self monitor. This is not a quarantine period. Anyone deploying in this way will be placed under a Red Cross contract with pay and benefits. All applicants will need to meet the health and professional standards established by the CRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure patients and their families admitted to the VHF Treatment Unit are offered appropriate psychological support. This includes end-of-life psychosocial support to patients and family members, grief counselling, and to assist recovered patients with community re-integration.

The psychosocial support delegate will work as part of a team of international Red Cross and Red Crescent medical professionals. He/ She will provide supportive treatment to patients from the community infected with VHD.

1. General Responsibilities

• Conducts local based training of local medical, nursing and social work staff. • Reports orally and in writing all relevant information for patients. • Provides support to patients and families affected by VHF. • Takes every opportunity to inform and sensitise patients, relatives, staff members and the population. • Informs the coordinator regarding any staff member in the event of psychological difficulties. • Provides technical support to the mental health team as required. • Participates in medical coordination meetings. • Participates in mental health team meetings, and brief daily meetings with the medical team; to update on the evolution of each patient. • Attends and participates actively in weekly staff meeting.

1. Human Resources Management

• Supervises and guides the mental health team: Inpatient Psychologist, Community Psychologist. • Provides technical support to the mental health team as required. • Prepares and adapts job descriptions according to the needs. • Identifies, recruits, and trains staff as required.

1. Psychological and Psychosocial Activities

• Receives new cases in the treatment ward: initially for psychological intervention with the patient, and after admission provides support to the family. • Provides regular psychological follow up of the patient and family. • Ensures psychological concerns and interventions are recorded in the individual patient files. • Accompaniment of families in the event of the patient dying in hospital. • Collaborates with the family in preparation for the funeral.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: • Psychology degree or social work degree with a license in Canada. • Professional background in psychology, social services or counselling required. • Minimum 3 years post registration experience. • Experience working in epidemic an asset. • Prior experience in remote communities and in low-resource environments an asset.

Skills and Abilities: • Excellent communication skills (patient communications). • Well organized and analytical. • Flexible, with demonstrated ability to plan and fix priorities. • Ability to work and deal with difficult conditions. • Ability to meet stress with emotional stability, objectivity and optimism. • Awareness and experience of working cross culturally. • Works well in a multi-disciplinary team. • Flexible to the changing needs and development of the programme activities.
• Works efficiently in a challenging context and an ability to live in basic conditions. • Support of and adherence to the Red Cross principles. • Strict adherence to infection control protocols.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working in West Africa in direct contact with infectious diseases such as Ebola is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. The living conditions in West Africa are difficult and you will be expected to live in basic living conditions (hotel) near the Ebola Treatment Centre. Working hours are according to shift requirements but you will be expected to be available 24 hours per day.

During the 3 weeks post-mission self-monitoring period, you are expected to be a minimum 4 hours’ drive from a certified medical facility in Canada, and should undergo a systematic self check related to any potential exposure and your health status.

How to apply:

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website.

This position is open until filled.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record check. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Medical Doctor - Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Medical Doctor.

As part of the coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Canadian Red Cross is seeking qualified personnel to join the fight against Ebola. The response requires efforts on multiple fronts, including community outreach, contact tracing, surveillance, management of human remains and case management. This job description covers a profile required specifically for the case management component. Selected applicants will be deployed to a Red Cross Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in West Africa between mid-November 2014 and April 2015.

Every mission will initially be limited to four weeks internationally due to the hardship of having to work under heavy personal protective equipment. Prior to deployment, the Red Cross will provide you with mission-specific training including an extensive practical course on Ebola and related safety procedures. During the mission, you will be working in a well-established ETC. After deployment, the Red Cross will extend your contract by an additional three weeks rest period during which you will be instructed on how to self monitor. This is not a quarantine period. Anyone deploying in this way will be placed under a Red Cross contract with pay and benefits. All applicants will need to meet the health and professional standards established by the CRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Medical Doctor and Clinical Officers are responsible for the clinical care and the management of the patients. They must be present when a new patient arrives and ensure that appropriate protocols are respected as well as clinical care in of suspected and confirmed Ebola patients. They are also responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of co-morbidities.

The medical doctor will work as part of a team of international nurses and medical doctors. He/ She will provide supportive treatment to patients from the community infected with VHD.

1. General Responsibilities

• He/she is responsible to work on the ward of the hospital and provide supportive treatment and care to a range of patients. • The doctor is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with the various health actors. • He/she organizes or participates to all necessary internal or external meetings to ensure continuity and quality of care to patients. • In conjunction with WHO and MOH ensure consistent infection control procedures are in place. • In full PPE - performs a ward round at least twice a day. • Attends to patients according to the clinical evolution. • Prescribes treatment in the patient file. • Verifies that the treatment has been given according to the prescription. • Informs the doctor in charge of the VHF Treatment unit about the evolution of the patients admitted. • Attends to new admissions as soon they arrive. • Informs the clinician responsible for blood sampling. • Coordinates with the Head Nurse and nursing staff, ensuring the follow up of infection control and protective measures. • Participates in the weekly meeting of the VHF Treatment unit.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: • Registered physician (Licensed in Canada). • Minimum 3 years direct patient experience post residency. • Experience in treating pediatric and adult patients. • Experience working in epidemic an asset. • Specialization in tropical medicine and/or infectious disease an asset. • Experience managing staff or volunteers an asset. • Previous experience working in a resource poor environment is an asset.

Skills and Abilities • Excellent communication skills (patient communication). • Well organized and analytical. • Flexible, with demonstrated ability to plan and fix priorities. • Ability to work and deal with difficult conditions. • Ability to meet stress with emotional stability, objectivity and optimism. • Understand and awareness of infection control protocols and procedures and their application to an outbreak scenario. • Awareness and experience of working cross culturally. • Works well in a multi-disciplinary team. • Flexible to the changing needs and development of the programme activities. • Works efficiently in a challenging context, and an ability to live in basic conditions. • Support of and adherence to the Red Cross principles. • Strict adherence to infection control protocols.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working in West Africa in direct contact with infectious diseases such as Ebola is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. The living conditions in West Africa are difficult and you will be expected to live in basic living conditions (hotel) near the Ebola Treatment Centre. Working hours are according to shift requirements but you will be expected to be available 24 hours per day.

During the 3 weeks post-mission self-monitoring period, you are expected to be a minimum 4 hours’ drive from a certified medical facility in Canada, and should undergo a systematic self check related to any potential exposure and your health status.

How to apply:

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website.

This position is open until filled.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record check. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Delegate – Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Delegate.

As part of the coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Canadian Red Cross is seeking qualified personnel to join the fight against Ebola. The response requires efforts on multiple fronts, including community outreach, contact tracing, surveillance, management of human remains and case management. This job description covers a profile required specifically for the case management component. Selected applicants will be deployed to a Red Cross Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in West Africa between mid-November 2014 and April 2015.

Every mission will initially be limited to four weeks internationally due to the hardship of having to work under heavy personal protective equipment. Prior to deployment, the Red Cross will provide you with mission-specific training including an extensive practical course on Ebola and related safety procedures. During the mission, you will be working in a well-established ETC. After deployment, the Red Cross will extend your contract by an additional three weeks rest period during which you will be instructed on how to self monitor. This is not a quarantine period. Anyone deploying in this way will be placed under a Red Cross contract with pay and benefits. All applicants will need to meet the health and professional standards established by the CRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensures that water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste activities are carried out so that staff, patients, and the environment inside and outside the VHF Treatment Unit are not exposed to VHF contaminated material. The role of WatSan delegates involves working with in the ‘high risk’ wards of the Ebola treatment centre. The WatSan Delegate is aware of the risks involved in working in the VHF Treatment Unit. The WatSan follows all regulations concerning infection control and protective measures.

1. General Responsibilities

• Follows up water, hygiene, and sanitation issues linked to the outbreak intervention. • Trains and educates staff of the hospital and other health structures in the affected area with respect to VHF and WatSan related issues. • Takes every opportunity to inform and sensitise the population when working in the field. • Attends and participates actively in weekly staff meeting. • Monitors stocks of cleaning and disinfection material. • Coordinates with Head Nurse for the monitoring and ordering of PPE, and other materials. • Reports activities to the Team Leader.

1. Human Resources Management

• Provides technical support and supervises VHF ward support staff. • Supervises and guides the mobile teams in the field.

1. Water, Hygiene and Sanitation • Ensures that safety procedures are implemented in all outbreak control activities. • Ensures that sufficient good quality water is available in the VHF Treatment Ward. • Ensures that sufficient quantities of chlorine solution are always available. • Ensures that latrines and bathing areas are well maintained, and cleaned and disinfected properly. • Undertake health and sanitation education and training activities. • Ensures that staff and patients are following the protection regulations. • Ensures that waste is collected, handled, transported, and disposed of safely and according to the protocols. • Ensures appropriate dead body management procedures and protocols are implemented.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: • Degree or diploma in Water/Sanitation or Civil engineering with a licence in Canada. • Minimum 3 years related experience. • Experience in report-writing, planning and managing a budget an asset. • Experience working in large-scale operations an asset. • International field experience an asset. • Experience managing staff or volunteers an asset.

Skills and Abilities: • Excellent communication skills (beneficiary communication). • Well organized and analytical. • Flexible, with demonstrated ability to plan and fix priorities. • Ability to work and deal with difficult conditions. • Ability to meet stress with emotional stability, objectivity and optimism. • Awareness and experience of working cross culturally. • Works well in a multi-disciplinary team. • Flexible to the changing needs and development of the program activities.
• Works efficiently in a challenging context, and an ability to live in basic conditions. • Support of and adherence to the Red Cross principles. • Strict adherence to infection control protocols.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working in West Africa in direct contact with infectious diseases such as Ebola is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. The living conditions in West Africa are difficult and you will be expected to live in basic living conditions (hotel) near the Ebola Treatment Centre. Working hours are according to shift requirements but you will be expected to be available 24 hours per day.

During the 3 weeks post-mission self-monitoring period, you are expected to be a minimum 4 hours’ drive from a certified medical facility in Canada, and should undergo a systematic self check related to any potential exposure and your health status.

How to apply:

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website.

This position is open until filled.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record check. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Ward Nurse - Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Society, a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Ward Nurse.

As part of the coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Canadian Red Cross is seeking qualified personnel to join the fight against Ebola. The response requires efforts on multiple fronts, including community outreach, contact tracing, surveillance, management of human remains and case management. This job description covers a profile required specifically for the case management component. Selected applicants will be deployed to a Red Cross Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in West Africa between mid-November 2014 and April 2015.

Every mission will initially be limited to four weeks internationally due to the hardship of having to work under heavy personal protective equipment. Prior to deployment, the Red Cross will provide you with mission-specific training including an extensive practical course on Ebola and related safety procedures. During the mission, you will be working in a well-established ETC. After deployment, the Red Cross will extend your contract by an additional three weeks rest period during which you will be instructed on how to self monitor. This is not a quarantine period. Anyone deploying in this way will be placed under a Red Cross contract with pay and benefits. All applicants will need to meet the health and professional standards established by the CRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The ward nurse is responsible for planning the activities of the viral hemorrhagic disease (Ebola) ward. The nurse provides care to the patients, attends to their needs, and ensures they are comfortable. S/he records and communicates information regarding the care of the patients. The nurse will work as part of a team of nurses and medical doctors. He/ She will provide supportive care to patients from the community infected with VHD.

• He/she is responsible to work on the ward of the hospital and provide supportive care to a range of patients. • The nurse is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with the various health actors. • He/she organizes or participates to all necessary internal or external meetings to ensure continuity and quality of care to patients.

1. General Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes the nursing care and personal hygiene of his/her patients in an isolated environment. • Gives treatment at the appropriate time as prescribed by the doctor. • Ensures that each patient always has ORS or purified water for rehydration. • Assists patients in taking fluid as required or as prescribed by the doctor. • Informs the supervisor of the burial team when a patient dies. • Ensures that the items for admission are in place before each admission. • Explains the rules of the VHF Treatment Unit to all new patients, and their relatives. • Provides the necessary protective gear to the relative and ensures that they are familiar with the rules of the VHF Treatment unit. • Able to conduct local based training of local nursing staff, midwives and other hospital staff. • Reports orally and in writing all relevant information for patients during and end of shift. • Contribute to epidemic surveillance activities, as indicated, and collection of information relating to performance of hospital. • Conduct health education and promotion activities with patients, families and communities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: • Registered nurse (licensed in Canada). • Minimum 2 years hospital experience post registration. • Acute care experience and / or work experience with highly dependent patients. • Public health, Tropical Medicine or primary health care experience is an asset. • Previous experience working in a resource poor environment is an asset.

Skills and Abilities • Excellent communication skills (patient communication). • Well organized and analytical. • Flexible, with demonstrated ability to plan and fix priorities. • Ability to work and deal with difficult conditions. • Ability to meet stress with emotional stability, objectivity and optimism. • Understand and awareness of infection control protocols and procedures and their application to an outbreak scenario. • Awareness and experience of working cross culturally. • Works well in a multi-disciplinary team. • Flexible to the changing needs and development of program activities. • Works efficiently in a challenging context, and an ability to live in basic conditions. • Support of and adherence to the Red Cross principles. • Strict adherence to infection control protocols, and demonstrated knowledge of barrier nursing.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working in West Africa in direct contact with infectious diseases such as Ebola is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. The living conditions in West Africa are difficult and you will be expected to live in basic living conditions (hotel) near the Ebola Treatment Centre. Working hours are according to shift requirements but you will be expected to be available 24 hours per day.

During the 3 weeks post-mission self-monitoring period, you are expected to be a minimum 4 hours’ drive from a certified medical facility in Canada, and should undergo a systematic self check related to any potential exposure and your health status.

How to apply:

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website.

This position is open until filled.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record check. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.