Referral Support Officer

Médecins du Monde (MdM) or Doctors of the World is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical care and support to vulnerable populations around the world. Founded in 1980, the organization’s mission is to ensure access to healthcare for all, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. MdM operates in over 40 countries including Ethiopia, delivering medical aid in crisis zones, conflict-affected areas, and areas of extreme poverty. Our teams of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, work tirelessly to provide essential medical services, emergency relief, and long-term healthcare programs. MDM–France invites qualified candidates to apply for the following position :

JOB SUMMARY

Ensure the follow-up and management of patients beneficiary in need of referral to a third level health facility, in accordance with the Mission’s policy and referral criteria.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination and Communication:

• Ensuring the management of patients referred .
• Ensuring regular monitoring of the patient’s progress, with regular visits to the health facilities, participation in ward rounds of our patients, and discussions if necessary with the staff, making sure that the treatment is given and the diagnostic tests are performed within the established criteria;
• Ensuring that patients do receive timely their treatment (are not being kept unnecessarily )not hang around in the chosen hospitals for no logical reason in order to avoid additional costs For MDM
• Informing the medical coordination in case of difficulties in management.
• Taking care of administrative issues related to referrals (completion of patient files, counter-referrals, per diem, invoice control, appointments, etc.).
• Ensuring the regular update of the referral table of each project and send them on a weekly basis for a good follow-up of the evolution of referred patients.
• Ensuring that the counter-referral file is sent to the projects once the patient is discharged from the health facility.
• Act as the primary liaison between MdM-supported health centers and referral hospitals to ensure smooth patient transfers.
• Together and in coordination with the project team and the logistics department, organizing the movement of patients
• Engage with referral health facilities at the start of the project to introduce objectives, expected referral caseloads, and patient intake procedures.
• Ensure timely and clear communication regarding patient transfers, required treatments, and challenges in the referral process.
• Facilitate coordination between local health authorities, including the Regional Health Bureau (RHBs) and Woreda Health Bureau (WHBs), to advocate for prioritized patient care.

Referral and Counter-Referral Management:

• Ensure beneficiaries are referred free of charge to appropriate services based on their needs.
• Monitor and track referral and counter-referral processes to confirm that patients receive the required services.
• Establish feedback mechanisms to allow timely follow-ups and interventions as necessary.

Service Verification and Documentation:

• Verify the delivery of healthcare and other services by documenting evidence, including referral papers from the referral hospitals, medical record numbers (MRN), and copies of medical and laboratory requests.
• Maintain accurate records of referred patients and ensure proper documentation of services provided.
• Report any discrepancies in service delivery and recommend necessary corrective actions.

Capacity Building and Sensitization:

• Conduct orientation and sensitization sessions for referral facility staff to ensure understanding of the project’s objectives and the vulnerabilities of referred populations.
• Support training initiatives to enhance awareness of protection and medical needs among healthcare providers.

Financial and Logistical Support:

• Ensure that patient transportation costs and medical expenses are covered where necessary to eliminate financial barriers to care.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for referred patients, ensuring timely and appropriate support

Reported to: Program Manager

Educational Qualification and Work experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Social Work, Health Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in health program coordination, referral management, or liaison roles within humanitarian or development programs.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare systems, patient referral processes, and humanitarian interventions.
• Experience working with government health authorities and humanitarian organizations is an asset.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Skills and Qualities Required:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Effective coordination and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Required personal skills.

• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Languages

• English and Amharic/Fluent