Community Health Officer 

January 15, 2025

Job Overview

  • Date Posted
    January 15, 2025
  • Location
  • Expiration date
    January 28, 2025
  • Experience
    3 Years
  • Qualification
    Certificate
  • Organization
    Partners in Health
  • Required Languages
    English, Krio

Job Description

 

                  Vacancy Announcement

Job title:    Community Health Officer 
Work Location: Koidu Government Hospital (Kono District)      
Department: Clinical
Reports to:  CHO Clinical Mentor-KGH
Line Management  No
Duration of Contract Twelve (12) Months with the possibility of extension
Application Status External Advert
Organisation Profile 
Partners In Health (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change. Our delivered services in the field are based in our partnership with the Governments and Ministries of Health and the support to education, training and mentorship to Health care workers and students is one of our pillars for the Health care system strengthening.

PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world. 

Our Work In Sierra Leone:

Partners In Health Sierra Leone (PIHSL) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.

Position Overview
The Community Health Officer is responsible for diagnosing and treating patients, performing medical procedures, and supporting preventive healthcare efforts in a healthcare facility. This role involves providing primary healthcare services, maintaining accurate patient records, and contributing to public health initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Patient Diagnosis and Treatment:
    • Conduct medical examinations, diagnose patient conditions, and provide treatment plans.
    • Prescribe medications and treatment according to national protocols and clinical guidelines.
    • Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
    • Provide basic surgical care, including suturing, wound care, and minor surgical procedures (depending on training).
    • Be willing to work long and unpredictable hours detected by the needs of the patients.
  • Clinical Procedures:
    • Administer and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays, lab tests, and ultrasound scans.
    • Perform procedures such as intubation, incision and drainage, and other minor surgical tasks.
    • Assist in emergency care, including stabilizing patients and preparing them for referral to higher-level care when needed.
  • Patient Education and Counseling:
    • Provide counseling to patients and families on health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures.
    • Educate patients on lifestyle modifications, vaccinations, and other preventive healthcare measures.
  • Record Keeping and Reporting:
    • Maintain accurate medical records, including patient history, diagnoses, treatment plans, and outcomes.
    • Complete and submit regular reports on patient care and health statistics to relevant authorities.
  • Public Health and Community Involvement:
    • Participate in public health campaigns, including vaccination drives, disease surveillance, and health education outreach.
    • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and community health workers to promote health within the community.
  • Team Collaboration:
    • Work closely with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, and specialists.
    • Assist and supervise junior healthcare workers, such as nurses and other disciplines.
    • Participate in multidisciplinary healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes.
  • Emergency Care:
    • Provide first-line emergency care in cases of trauma, acute illness, or sudden medical conditions.
    • Coordinate patient referrals and transportation to specialized care facilities when necessary.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

Partners In Health Sierra Leone is dedicated to preventing unwanted behaviour in the workplace, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, financial misconduct, and ensuring the welfare of those, we serve. We expect all staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, and volunteers to uphold these values as outlined in our code of conduct.

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

Qualifications/Requirements
    • Diploma in Community Health Medicine with 2-3 years’ work experience in a Clinical setting.
    • Ability to work in a team
    • Ability to demonstrate clinical practices and ethics in line with the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone
    • Proven ability to exercise good judgment, and demonstrate political astuteness, and tact.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internally and externally.
  • Must not hold a PIN code or receive a salary from consolidated funds.
  • Ability to live full-time in Kono required 
Social Justice
We are a global health and social justice organization that responds to the moral imperative to provide high-quality health care globally to those who need it most. We strive to ease suffering by placing patients at the center of all care, bringing the benefits of modern medicine to all.
Method of application
Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment.   In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) referees not later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Tuesday 28TH January 2025.