COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Persons with Lived Experience Community Research Officer
(12 months Fixed Term appointment) Discipline of Psychiatry
SCHOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
Ref no.: T/CM14/2024
The Discipline of Psychiatry at University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa aims to be a premier discipline in training and research in psychiatry and mental health. In accordance with this vision, the UKZN Discipline of Psychiatry is committed to providing opportunities for research, with a special emphasis on psychiatric epidemiology, first-episode psychosis, trauma, cross-cultural issues in mental health, mental health care services development and the neuropsychiatric manifestations of HIV/AIDS. To foster community and mental healthcare user inclusivity, the Discipline of Psychiatry seeks an individual with lived experience of mental illness who is dynamic, is a dedicated team player and has good communication skills.
The incumbent will be will be involved with the key ongoing research projects on psychosis and serious mental illness. Their role will include helping research staff accomplish the following:
• Community education and outreach on the research-focus area of psychotic disorders. This will include factors such as user engagement in all aspects of care and research, identifying other role players in patient care, engagement of informal care providers including traditional and faith healers.
• Building knowledge and understanding of community needs in relation to psychosis and serious mental illness.
Responsibilities:
• Mobilise community leaders, particularly traditional and political leaders, as partners in mental health research.
• Plan and facilitate meetings with Community Engagement Forums and Community Advisory Boards.
• Facilitating recruitment of research participants from the community.
• Connecting research teams with community partners and organizations.
• Facilitate communication between the research team and hospital staff.
• Performing research-related activities, including: surveys creation and dissemination, community mapping.
• Assisting with research results dissemination plan to the community and other relevant stakeholders.
Minimum requirements
• Being a person with lived experience of serious mental illness
• Grade 12 certificate or equivalent
• Relevant courses in counselling/community mobilisation
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Fluency in isiZulu and English
• Evidence of working community engagement work experience
This post reports to Prof B Chiliza. Enquiries regarding this post may be directed to Ms Phakama Jika on 031-260 4321. The job profile is available from Ms Phakama Jika, e-mail: jika@ukzn.ac.za.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 05 July 2024. The University reserves the right not to make any appointment.
Applicants are required to complete the following:
To complete the application process:
Completed application forms together with the CV may be sent to jika@ukzn.ac.za. The Advert Reference Number MUST be clearly stated in the email subject line. If an applicant does not complete both the online screening form and the UKZN application form, the application for the vacancy will not be considered.