Epilepsy and Mental Health Program Officer _Job at CareEpilepsy Ethiopia

Job title: Epilepsy and Mental Health Program Officer

Area: Communities in Addis Ababa (could require travelling to regions) Line manager: Administrative and Finance Head

Location: Addis Ababa, with possible travel to regional areas

Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-month contract (renewable)

Reports to: Program Manager / Clinical Director

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

CareEpilepsy Ethiopia is the country’s only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. We provide medical care, psychosocial support, public education, and advocacy. Recognizing the high prevalence of mental health conditions among people with epilepsy, our work integrates epilepsy care with accessible and inclusive mental health services.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Epilepsy and Mental Health Program Officer will support the planning, delivery, and monitoring of clinical and community-based programs for people living with epilepsy and associated mental health challenges. This role requires a balance of clinical support, program implementation, patient engagement, and administrative coordination. The officer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure people receive holistic, stigma-free care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Mental Health Clinical Work

• Lead the coordination and delivery of the Mental Health Support Clinic, including integration with epilepsy and EEG outpatient services.
• Provide individual and group counselling, psychoeducation, and crisis intervention for patients and families.
• Conduct clinical consultations with a focus on epilepsy and comorbid mental health conditions.
• Maintain accurate patient records using standardized assessment tools.
• Empower patients through education and support to actively participate in their care.
• Gather patient feedback and relay actionable insights to improve service design.
• Offer technical guidance to staff and partner health professionals.
• Participate in monthly patient support group meetings and facilitate peer-led discussions.

Epilepsy and Diagnostic Clinic

• Support clinicians with patient intake, clinical documentation, follow-up, and preliminary assessments during epilepsy consultations.
• Independently manage day-to-day operations of the epilepsy and EEG outpatient clinic, ensuring continuity of care and adherence to clinical protocols.
• Coordinate timely referrals for complex or refractory epilepsy cases requiring specialist evaluation.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate patient records using standardized epilepsy assessment tools.
• Provide clinical guidance and technical support to internal staff and external healthcare workers involved in epilepsy care.
• Respond to general clinical inquiries and assist as scheduled under the general practitioner (GP) duty rota.
  Community Education and Advocacy
• Organize awareness campaigns to reduce stigma related to epilepsy and mental illness.
• Train community health workers, teachers, and caregivers on the psychosocial dimensions of epilepsy.
• Represent CareEpilepsy in community dialogues and partner events to raise visibility of neuropsychiatric conditions.

Clinical Training Organization and Delivery

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver clinical training sessions on epilepsy and mental health for primary care workers, nurses, and health officers.
• Support training material development, logistics, material preparation, and post-training evaluation.
• Maintain training records and contribute to capacity-building reports.

Program Implementation

• Coordinate and support the delivery of epilepsy and mental health services across CareEpilepsy

Ethiopia’s clinics and outreach programs.

• Assist in the planning and execution of mental health screening, epilepsy diagnosis, and treatment pathways.
• Organize monthly epilepsy and mental health community clinics, including logistics, staffing, and patient follow-up.
• Support the integration of mental health support into epilepsy care plans and vice versa.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date records of clinic activities, patient numbers, and program milestones.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Assist with data collection for research or donor reporting.

Partnership and Coordination

• Work closely with public health centers, psychiatric clinics, and referral hospitals.
• Support coordination with the Ministry of Health, WHO, and NGOs involved in mental health or neurological care.
• Identify and build relationships with new community and institutional partners.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Knowledge, skills and attributes.

• Degree holder (Psychiatry Nurse/ Psychiatry/Mental Health – Health Officer);
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in community outreach, counseling, or a similar role.
• Language and Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Interpersonal Skills: Empathetic, compassionate, and able to build rapport with diverse groups.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email and can type in Amharic and English.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external partners.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
  WORKING HOURS, PATTERNS AND ENVIRONMENT

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychiatry Nursing, Mental Health, Health Officer or a related field.
• Additional certification in epilepsy care, psychosocial counselling, or training facilitation is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a clinical, mental health, or community health program.
• Experience organizing or delivering health trainings is highly desirable.
• Background in epilepsy or neurological disorders is a strong advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication in both English and Amharic (spoken and written).
• Ability to organize and facilitate training workshops, clinics, and community sessions.
• Strong counselling, facilitation, and group leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital recordkeeping.
• Empathetic, culturally sensitive, and collaborative