Job Description

Position: Oncology program Clinical Psychologist

Reports to: Oncology Program Director & District Program Director

Base Location: Butaro, Rwanda

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

In 2005, PIH and its Rwandan sister organization, Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), began working in partnership with the government of Rwanda to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic afflicting the population and to comprehensively strengthen the public health system in rural, underserved districts in Rwanda. Today, PIH supports delivery of comprehensive integrated non-communicable disease (NCD) services in three rural districts of Rwanda, including cancer care. Cancer care is predominantly based at the flagship Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE), which was inaugurated in June 2012 and has since provided care to over 9000 patients, with services ranging from cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

ONCOLOGY SUPPORT CENTER

Patients come to BCCOE from all corners of Rwanda and from neighboring countries. The Oncology Support Center was built to house patients travelling long distances and who arrive in Butaro the day before their scheduled outpatient follow up or consultation visit. The Oncology Support Center accommodates up to 75 patients per night and provides all meals as well as psychological and counselling services.

SUMMARY OF ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Oncology Support Center Clinical Psychologist is a full-time position based in Butaro, Rwanda and will provide psychological and counselling services to oncology patients of all age and backgrounds staying at the support center. This person will be responsible for evaluating patient needs and delivering psychotherapy, counselling and mental health care as well as emotional support to patients in a compassionate manner. Additionally, he/she will support the Oncology Support Center Nurse with nursing services when necessary.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform psychological assessments to accurately identify psychological problems, including depressing, and plan counselling/psychotherapy sessions to address patient needs.
• Facilitate diagnosis announcement counseling with patients, emphasizing patient’s illness acceptance phase and treatment options available in Rwanda.
• Provide ongoing counseling for patients undergoing treatment, focusing on patient self-management and treatment and follow-up compliance.
• Provide psychological accompaniment to patients on palliative care and their families.
• Offer individual, couple, group and family counseling, as appropriate, to patients at any stage of the illness.
• Assist the Oncology Support Center Nurse to provide nursing services, including monitoring patient conditions, performing evaluation tasks, documenting observations, delivering first aid and referring patients to the hospital for further management when necessary.
• Liaise patients or patient’ family members with the available financial support and work closely with social worker for patients’ advocacy.
• Counselling of patients prior to cancer related surgeries.
• Liaise with oncology and mental health teams to coordinate patient care
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION

• Degree in clinical psychology (A0 level) with a nursing background
• At least three years of relevant psychosocial and counseling/psychotherapy experience.
• Experience in individual, couple, and group counseling.
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda; knowledge of French will be an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations.
• Demonstrated qualities of a good counselor, including compassionate and friendly demeanor, active listening skills
• Understands and upholds principles of equity in health care
• Experience in oncology care preferred.
• Ability to live PIH/IMB values: Ubumuntu-Compassion, Ubupfura-Integrity, Ubunyangamugayo-Honesty, Ubwubahane-Mutual respect, Ubumwe-Solidarity, Agaciro-Dignity, Kugira ishyaka-Determination.
• At Partners In Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.”

If you believe that you are the right candidate for the above position, please submit your application: CV and application letter to https://www.pih.org/pages/employment?p=job%2Fo9Iylfwu

Applications should be submitted not later than December 18, 2022.