Mental Health Disorder training for health personnel

Mental health as defined by the World Health Organization is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community . It is an integral part of health and well-being and yet health systems are yet to adequately respond to the burden of mental health problems. Up to 85% of people with severe mental disorders in low-income and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their disorder (WHO). Mental and behavioral disorders are estimated to account for 14% of the global burden of disease with 19% of the burden in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). If untreated, mental and behavioral disorders are likely to cause severe disability and heavy socio-economic burden on families and communities. Integrating mental healthcare services into primary health care (PHC) is among the most viable means of closing the treatment gap and ensuring that people get the mental healthcare they need.

On this purpose; New ways Organization has made its priority to integrate mental health services into general healthcare so as to understand the how and why of certain behaviors, decisions, and individual experiences to deal with any type of mental health (depression schizophrenia, anxiety, or general mental health) of any age group or population that receives mental health services, as well as identification and treatment of mental disorders.

New ways is seeking the service of training facilitators for health personnel at PHC setting. It will be required–as an outcome of this training – to enable PHC health personnel to identify and treat mental disorders and to properly integrate mental health into the PHC setting.

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

v Deliverable Mental Health training for health workers in Elbur district in Galgaduud region.

v Coordinate the other facilitator counterpart to ensure roles and responsibilities around the agenda and the facilitation of the training sessions are clear. Where necessary, gather feedback from participants on the training process and contents.

v Conduct pre and post training evaluation of all trainees at the beginning of the training, and the end of training.

v Compile and share the session/training evaluation and feedback report with the New Ways health team. As the lead facilitator, compile a comprehensive training report in collaboration with the other facilitators for each training session and a final training report. Specific emphasis should be on the training content, process, and linkages to capacity building strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACILITATORS

v Participate in the pre-training planning meeting

v Facilitate training sessions of health workers staff on necessary skills

v Specific emphasis should be on the training content, process, and linkages to capacity building strategies.

v A comprehensive training report with pre- and post-evaluation and pictures

v Methodology Training would entail the use of generic WHO Training guidelines.

v Post training supervision visits will involve the use of outpatient skills checklist.

Experiences

· At least 2 years of proven experience in regard to Mental Health program design and implementation, maternal and child health, pediatrics with strong training management skills.

· Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas.

· Good writing and communication skills.

· Computer skills, including strong quantitative analysis and reporting tools.

Languages

· Fluency in written and spoken English required.

Competencies

· Solid analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the work place.

· Resource fullness, judgment and maturity.