Job Description

The role aims to ensure continuous neonatal care, early recognition of complications, appropriate escalation, and adherence to infection prevention and clinical safety standards.

The post holder will conduct initial clinical assessments of all triaged neonates, perform admission workups, and participate in routine daily ward rounds, with appropriate documentation of findings. He/she will monitor and manage common neonatal conditions, including neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, prematurity and low birth weight, neonatal jaundice, hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress, and feeding difficulties, using approved NICU protocols. The officer will order relevant investigations and initiate treatment; prescribe medications within the limits of approved standing orders; provide basic neonatal resuscitation when required at delivery or admission; and initiate stabilisation for critically ill neonates pending physician review or referral.

B. Clinical documentation and data

The Community Health Officer will maintain complete and accurate patient records, ensuring proper documentation of admission notes, daily progress notes, treatment plans, and all procedures performed. He/she will also contribute to clinical audit processes and participate in quality improvement activities to strengthen the safety and effectiveness of neonatal care services.

C. Escalation of care

He/she will promptly escalate any abnormal clinical conditions in care to the appropriate medical officers or neonatologists/paediatricians. When necessary, the officer will facilitate referral to higher-level centres and assist in stabilising the neonate before transfer to ensure safe continuity of care.

D. Procedural skills

The CHO will be expected to competently perform or assist with essential neonatal procedures, including neonatal resuscitation and intravenous cannulation. 

E. Infection Prevention and Control

The post holder will strictly adhere to NICU infection prevention and control protocols and maintain aseptic technique during all clinical procedures. The officer will ensure compliance with key infection control practices, including proper hand hygiene and isolation procedures. In addition, the officer will participate in infection surveillance activities to support the prevention and monitoring of healthcare-associated infections within the unit.

    Essential: 

1. A Diploma or Degree in Community Health.
2. A Valid professional registration with the relevant regulatory body.
3. Certification in Basic Neonatal Resuscitation

 Desirable: Additional training in: Newborn care, Emergency care, and Infection prevention and control.

G. Required competencies

Clinical Skills

1. Neonatal assessment
2. Recognition of neonatal emergencies
3. Neonatal resuscitation
4. Infection prevention

Professional Skills

1. Team collaboration
2. Accurate documentation
3. Good communication skills
4. Ethical patient care

The successful candidate will receive appropriate training and must adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding policies. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references and screening checks, which may include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

As a participant in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, we request information from previous employers about any instances of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. Additionally, Partners In Health Sierra Leone will share records of such misconduct with other agencies upon staff departure, ensuring transparency and accountability. By applying, candidates acknowledge and agree to these recruitment procedures