Counselor Educator (Maternity Gap-Filler)

Introduction about MSF:

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) / أطباء بلا حدود  is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people in 70 countries who are affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation and our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

We offer basic healthcare, perform surgery, fight epidemics, rehabilitate and run hospitals and clinics, carry out vaccination campaigns, operate nutrition centers, and provide mental healthcare. Our activities include the treatment of injuries and disease, maternal care and the provision of humanitarian aid. Where necessary, we set up sanitation systems, supply safe drinking water, and distribute relief to assist survival.

Main Objective of the position:

The PSEC Officer perform education, support and counselling sessions to patients with non-communicable diseases, following medical and educational MSF protocols and procedures, in order to improve their health outcomes.

The PSEC Officer will be mainly responsible for education provided to NCD Patients in MSF Clinics/facilities in Shatila camp, Bourj El Brajneh and within surrounding catchment area (Community);working within a multi-disciplinary team of nurses, Drs., Pharmacists, Mental health professionals and social workers. Other activities may involve visits to primary health care centers supported by MSF outside of MSF clinic catchment area.

Accountabilities:

• Establish individual care plans for non-communicable disease (NCD) patients and/or caregivers including clear objectives, priorities and action points, while considering resources available;
• Provide NCD patients with a comprehensive package on their disease including pathology, signs, symptoms, possible complications… etc., and discuss treatment options linked to patient’s specific educational needs and priorities.
• Provide essential support and counselling relating to specific patient’s therapeutic needs, living conditions, educational and social status, and barriers to adherence;
• Through adequate support, help patient develop self-care skills tailored to their needs and capacities;
• Plan for follow up with the patients and track those who miss their opportunities;
• Organize and carry out group sessions such as support groups, peer groups, specific disease literacy groups and others;
• Fill patient file documents adequately and on a timely manner;
• Contribute to multidisciplinary case management by closely working with the NCD staff.
• Refer patients to specialized departments when necessary e.g. psychologist, referral nurse, HP team, social worker
• Participate in the creation of material needed for PSEC activities including modules for different NCDs, pamphlets, child-friendly tools… etc
• Inform line manager of any problem of any kind arising during the day-to-day activities;
• Take active part in trainings and support the activities manager when necessary in doing sensitization for MSF staff or external partners about PSEC issues;
• Reporting: monthly figures, registry, indicators… etc on a regular basis.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Provide individual patient support, education, and counselling sessions to NCD patients including diabetic & epilepsy patients, to improve overall disease management & outcomes.
• Identify, and set practical and tailored disease management plans for diabetic patients on insulin, to improve healthy lifestyle practices, and HBA1C levels.
• Provide support group sessions to NCD patients in collaboration with the mental health team, for enhanced education outcomes and coping with disease.
• Identify eligible diabetic patients for ACC activity and conduct ACC Group sessions on a monthly basis.
• Conduct weekly visits to OPD in BB camp, and administer PSEC sessions to NCD patients in low mobility clinic.
• Develop and administer message comprehension assessments for patients enrolled in PSEC sessions.
• Conduct needed capacity building and trainings to other MSF staff and external stakeholders, including PHCC staff- as per need identified by HPAM.
• Provide counselling and health education sessions to home bound patients in Home based care activity in BB and Shatla camps, as per need identified by HPAM.
• Refer patients within PSEC cohort to other medical departments based on identified need incl. referrals to mental health, and social work team.
• Fill PSEC files, and encode data on EMR on a regular basis, while ensuring data accuracy.
• Submit monthly reports to HPAM on conducted activities and sessions.
• Show team spirit and collaboration with other medical departments through a multidisciplinary approach incl. NCD, Mental health, Pharmacy, and promote needed discussions and knowledge exchange based on activity needs.
• Show commitment towards MSF work schedule, while ensuring flexibility in provision of needed work outputs and activities.
• Deliver any other task related to patient education, as per need and request from line manager (HPAM)

Requirements:

Education:

Nutrition, counseling/education, nursing, paramedical, or other similar degree/diploma.

Experience:

Essential : At least 1-year experience working with NCD patients in PHC, hospital or NGO setting 

Desirable:  Experience in NGO. 

Languages:

Fluency in Arabic and English required

Competencies

Results, teamwork, flexibility, commitment, service, good communication skills