Job Openings at Synapse Services

Position: Volunteer-Dance/Movement Therapist

Expectations: The expectations of this role are set out below:

• Assess patients’ needs or disorders, using body movement or other dance processes and Music
• Communicate patients’ assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.
• Conduct dance therapy sessions providing guided self-expression experiences to help patients’ recover from or cope with cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
• Incorporate music and games while conducting dance therapy sessions for patients
• Confer with other professionals on patients’ treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
• Design dance/movement therapy sessions or programs to meet patients’ goals or objectives.
• Interpret the body movement of patients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress.
• Observe and document patients’ reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to dance/movement therapy.
• Talk with patients during dance or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the dance/movement process.
• Recommend and/or purchase needed dance/game supplies or equipment

Required Skills

• Excellent artistic abilities, creativity, imagination and enthusiasm
• Maturity, patience, calm and respectful manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kindhearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Business skills
• A strong empathy with and commitment to helping people from all walks of life
• Ability to deal with difficult, perhaps painful and embarrassing situations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in treatment.

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Location: Abuja, Anambra 

Reports to: Medical Director

Job Summary: The Psychiatric Nurse will work as part of a team of medical professionals to provide psychiatric nursing care to patients of all ages, gender, religion and disposition, while creating a safe and therapeutic environment to aid their mental stability.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for overseeing the delivery of care to all patients delegating duties and monitoring junior staff carrying these out
• Assess all identified group of patients and new admissions to the Practice 
• To ensure that identified care planning is implemented and evaluated for all patients especially those within their identified groups
• To ensure that care given is individualized, patient centered and in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and other statutory and voluntary organizations as appropriate
• To orientate newly admitted patient on the principles, rules and regulations governing the unit at the point of admission and ensure that these rules are strictly adhered to by the patients
• To ensure that all the policies and admission documents are signed by the patient and their relations where applicable
• The Nurse will be involved in performing patient personal care duties, which would include washing, bathing and dressing using appropriate hoists and aids. Often uses equipment and clinical procedures requiring knowledge e.g. subcutaneous infusions, catheter care, wound care, pressure relieving equipment
• The Nurse will be able to conduct and interpret a Urine Drug Test for patients and clients and document the results appropriately
• Ensure that a Urine Drug Test is conducted for all patient on board at any point if there is a suspected case of smuggling of substance into the facility
• The Nurse would spend extensive parts of the shift in direct/indirect (overseeing and monitoring) patient care 
• Also dedicate time during the shift writing clinical reports, and updating care plans.  Also the Nurse will be expected to undertake supervision/performance appraisal of junior staff, as directed by the Head of Clinical Services
• To engage in pickup of new or old clients as required
• Observe assigned patients on a daily basis to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, such as assaultive or suicidal behaviour, and response to treatment or medication.
• Inspect patient rooms every morning
• Check to ensure that the number of patients at handover tallies with the number at takeover given allowance for discharged cases in the course of the day.
• Inspect rooms to ensure air conditioner and lights are switched off when patients are not in room
• Ensure vital signs are taken 2 times a day
• Work with the support workers to see to the personal hygiene of patients in the morning
• Ensure the dining area is kept clean when not in use, ensure support worker/cook take the dishes to the kitchen immediately after every meal
• Administer psychotropic medications to patients, monitors use, and documents reactions; educate patients on the purpose, dosage, and side effects of medication, and explain the implications of patient's refusal to take prescribed medication.
• Provide crisis intervention to those individuals experiencing acute episodes.
• Obtain medical, psychiatric, social, and family histories of new admissions; take and record vital signs; obtain lab specimens and assist physicians with physical exams
• Schedules and arranges for special tests; develops discharge plans; maintains charts and logs; performs catheterizations and enemas; and draws blood.
• Aid patients in obtaining proper medical care, after release or during hospitalization, by identifying community agencies and resources to assist patients with stabilization while living in the community.
• Interact with private medical facilities, courts, and Federal and State agencies to express concerns of the patient and to discuss treatment also when required, testify in court as to the patient's mental and physical condition.
• When needed, acts as a team leader, on a rotational basis, for an assigned shift; plan, assign, and review the work of other regular nursing staff, student nurses, mental health technicians and support staff.
• To be able to deliver services and treatment in patient’s own environment whenever the need arises
• Ensure protected meal time is properly implemented
• Inspect patient food before taking it to patients for consumption
• Make Clinical presentations during clinical meetings and during business meetings.
• Ensure take home medications are well dispensed for patient going on weekend leave

Requirements and Experience

• Must be a Registered Psychiatric Nurse
• Must be medically and physically fit.
• Must have a minimum of 2- 3 years’ work experience as a psychiatric nurse
• Required Skills/Competencies:
• Explain mental health laws and regulations;
• Observe emotional and physical behaviour;
• Evaluate and assess the need for mental health services;
• Analyse a situation and adopt a course of action;
• Prepare and maintain medical records and reports;
• Recognize and respect limits of confidential information;
• Direct and advise other nursing staff;
• Communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic origins;
• Speak before groups;
• Exercise independent judgment in medical emergencies;
• Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, patience, and compassion;
• Establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and organizations;
• Comply with nursing policies, protocols, and program regulations;

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Job Summary: A clinical psychologist identifies and diagnoses psychological, emotional and behavioral issues in client, develops and implements treatment plans, and converts business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological assessment and consultation services
• Diagnose psychological, emotional or behavioral disorders of patients and develop treatment plan
• Provide therapy to groups and individuals
• Prospect for new clients by networking, and using other acceptable means of generating interest from potential clients and ultimately converting them into clients.
• Develop and implement individual treatment plan for different age groups (children inclusive)
• Identify innovative tactics, corresponding business plans and sustainable operations to drive revenue and volume growth with a bid to grow business.
• Work with multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses and social workers, psychiatrists and occupational therapists
• Facilitate diverse group therapeutic sessions
• Counsel individuals and groups regarding problems such as stress, substance abuse, and family situations, in order to modify behavior.
• Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients’ status
• Guide clients in the development of their skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
• Have an understanding of Bio Psychosocial Approach for assessment and treatment plan for every patient.
• Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests in order to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, and personalities
• Be conversant with different treatment methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, talk therapy, person centered therapy etc.
• Be conversant with the electronic medical record system for proper documentation of progress notes and treatment plan.
• Evaluate clients’ physical or mental condition based on review of client information
• Collaborate with other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans
• Refer patients, clients or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary
• Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations
• Coordinate family inclusive therapy to assist them in understanding, dealing with or supporting patients
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs on clients’ progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives
• Meet with families, probation officers, police or other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process
• Plan, organize or lead structured programs of counselling, work, study, recreation or social activities for clients
• Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counselling services
• Psycho educate client on the importance of medication compliance.
• Learn about new developments in counselling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars or establishing and maintain contact with other social services agencies
• Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy
• Have an understanding of neuron developmental pathways, how to diagnose, carry out assessments and draw up appropriate treatment plan to meet specific needs.
• Ensure that after discharge client is transferred to a robust aftercare plan for proper follow up and management.

Requirements and Experience

• A minimum of a Master degree in Clinical Psychology
• Minimum of 1 - 3 years Clinical and Business development experience 
• Business Acumen
• Strong verbal and written communication skill
• Proactive problem-solving approach
• Stress tolerance
• High level of professionalism
• Ability to uphold strict confidentiality

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to develop and convert business opportunities
• Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
• Ability to generate relevant partnership proposals with support from the clinical team
• Interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation skills
• Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.

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JOB TITLE: Art Therapist (Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island)                                                                                                    

Reports to: Head, Art Therapist

• Assess patients’ needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.
• Communicate patients’ assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.
• Conduct art therapy sessions providing guided self-expression experiences to help patients’ recover from or cope with cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
• Confer with other professionals on patients’ treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
• Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet patients’ goals or objectives.
• Interpret the artistic creations of patients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress.
• Observe and document patients’ reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.
• Talk with patients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
• Recommend and/or purchase needed art supplies or equipment.

Qualification

Minimum of B.sc degree in Creative/Fine art

Required Skills

• Excellent artistic abilities, creativity, imagination and enthusiasm
• Maturity, patience, calm and respectful manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kindhearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Business skills
• A strong empathy with and commitment to helping people from all walks of life
• Ability to deal with difficult, perhaps painful and embarrassing situations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in treatment.

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Job description: The roles and responsibilities of this include but not limited to:

Dispense, label and package prescribed drugs to patients and ensure they are counseled on how to take their drugs in order to minimize side effects and maximize benefits

• Render clinical advice to patients concerning their drug regimen so as to encourage compliance and adherence to therapy
• Actively listen to and address all patients’ concerns and also follow up to ensure medications are effective
• Ensure patients safety by ensuring the past medication history are checked each time a drug is prescribed or refilled
• Offer advice on non-prescription remedies such as maintaining good diet and exercise, life style modification use of herbal and natural health products to obtain general wellness
• Participate in drug procurement, employ cost-effective decision making
• Identify opportunities for improving business processes and suggest new systems and/or operational changes to management
• Instruct patients on the dosage and dietary requirements for drug consumption
• Provide Clinicians with information on proper drug therapy for patients
• Monitor and audit drug inventory, ensures compliance with all regulatory guidelines and reporting
• Instruct patients on the dosage and dietary requirements for drug consumption
• Provide Clinicians with information on proper drug therapy for patients Perform drug assay to verify purity, strength, and other parameters considered for dosage
• Review over-the-counter (OTC) and medical prescriptions to ensure they are suitable for a patient
• Provide patients with information regarding drug interactions, side effects and storage requirements
• Maintain record of patient profiles, inventory, and registries
• Monitor patients to track the efficiency/side effect of drugs and make changes where appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to assist with problem identification and resolution
• Evaluate medication and ensure standardization of medical care for the department
• Ensure strict adherence to the policies and procedures guarding the security of controlled substances
• Perform any other duties as directed by the MD.
• Requirements and Experience
• Licensed Pharmacy Degree
• Must have a current license
• 2 years previous experience (post NYSC) in Pharmacy management.

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Job Title: Male Mental Health Support Worker

Location: Anambra (Awka)

Reports to: Ward Manager

Job Summary: Member of a multidisciplinary team; as sists in the provision of safe and empathetic personal care to people who experience mental illness, and who use mental health services, under the guidance of a qualified nurse.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities of a mental health support worker:

• ·  Support the nurses on duty and other clinicians while they carry out their duties
• Receive and implement instructions from the nurses in charge of the wards at all times 
• Welcome patients and facilitate a friendly environment to enable them acclimatize to their new environment  
• Ensure the safety of patients and their living environment at all times; ensure patients are never left unattended in the facility or while on external activities 
• Physical care of patients: assist when circumstances require, in maintaining personal hygiene – bathing, dressing –, feeding, making beds, arranging personal effects, etc. 
• Interact with and support patients during therapeutic activities and recreation  
• Assist to de-escalate and/or restrain aggressive/violent patients when required   Supervise the scheduled regular cleaning of patients’ rooms and shared areas during all shifts Complete all observation charts and handover checklists promptly and conscientiously, with adequate attention to detail    
• Ensure that electrical appliances e.g. bulbs, air conditioners, heaters, etc. are switched off when not in use
• Promptly report damages, and supervise repairs and maintenance activities in the facility  
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Nurse or clinicians

Requirements and experience    

• ONLY SSCE or OND holders can apply for this role   
• Previous work experience in a mental health or general health care facility will be an advantage. Compassionate and patient     
• Strong-willed, able to solve crises and work in a team 
• Good communication skill 

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Location: Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.        

Reports to: Consultant Psychiatrist

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Ward Duties

• Be present and contactable within clinic premises at all times during work hours except when on other official duties.
• To carry out a physical examination on all patients before admission according to the Olives Prime Policy
• To maintain individual contact with patients, carrying out ward rounds and other duties detailed by the Consultant
• To update clinical notes on all patients according to best practice for record keeping
• To ensure that within a week of admission, patient’s diagnosis in line with ICD is documented on EMR and explained to the patient and Family.
• Ensure that leaflets explaining diagnosis, medication and its effects are given to patient, explained and documented. Encourage consultants to explain diagnosis to patient and document it.
• To respond promptly to the request of all clinical staff (consultants, other doctors and nurses) to see patients within the clinic and to advice or start any treatment as indicated.
• Undertake specific medical procedures on patients within the clinic as requested by medical and nursing staff: cannulation, commencing I.V infusions, administration of I.V drugs, etc.
• To type and file discharge summaries on all patients discharged from Tourmaline-Olive Prime within 72 hours of discharge
• Must ensure every patient discharged from Olive Prime sees a doctor within 7 days post discharge
• Run regular follow up clinics and encourage patient attendance
• Carry out home visits to review patients
• Lead a clinical team to pick up patients from the community for admission
• Partake in On - call duties

Other duties

• Run a smoking cessation clinic
• Contribute to and be a part of Olive Prime Business Team
• Be part of the team that makes contact with Organizations to seek clients for Olive Prime
• Carry out presentations at clinical meetings in various hospitals to inform them of our clinical services
• To examine a sick/injured member of clinic staff and offer appropriate advice in respect of treatment
• Liaise regularly with Service Manager to discuss service improvement
• Carry out regular teaching sessions directed at Nurses, Support Workers and Psychologists.

Administrative Duties

• Be a part of interview panels during staff recruitment
• Be a member of Olive prime Middle management committee and attend line Management meetings
• Be a co-chair for Olive Prime Educational meetings
• Will be asked to be part of other adhoc committees if and when necessary
• Take a lead role in developing and writing proposals for Olive Prime-Tourmaline Services
• Be a facilitator on some of Olive Prime Training programs
• Read understand and adhere to clinic policies and procedures
• Will be a clinical and managerial lead
• Will be a part of the Business Development team
• Health and Safety and Quality Assurance       
• Be familiar, understand and adhere to all Health and Safety regulations including evacuation policy and the medical officer’s role in such an event
• Be aware of the promotion of effective customer care and public relations in order to promote the good reputation of the clinic
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Line Manager is essential

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
• Post-Graduation qualifications including Masters programs are desirable
• Experience in non-clinical settings that demonstrates exposure to other industries is desirable.
• Relevant experience in mental health is desirable
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in Clinical care and patient management.