DESIGNATION: Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist (01 position)
DUTY STATION: Gulu
ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:

AVSI Foundation is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1972 with a mission to promote the dignity of the person through development cooperation activities. Since 1984, AVSI has been present in Uganda, reaching 80 districts across different regions delivering development and humanitarian interventions in the sectors of Education, Protection, WASH, Livelihoods, Social Protection, Psychosocial/Mental health, Food security and Nutrition, Urban Development, Energy, Environment and Health.

PROJECT BACKGROUND
Spina Bifida is one of the most common congenital birth defects, affecting 1 in every 1,000 live births globally. It is more common in low income countries due to lack or late start of intake of folic acid, and reduced likelihood of termination of the pregnancy following early detection.

Children with Spina bifida may develop complications, such as feacal and urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, pressure wound and physical dysfunctions. AVSI supports children with Spina Bifida and/or with Hydrocephalus (SB/H) to access surgeries and appropriate post-operative care/rehabilitative services.

The project’s aim is to improve the quality of lives of children with Spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Northern Uganda through early identification and referral of clients for surgery, provision of quality rehabilitation services, community sensitization, lobbying and advocacy for inclusive development programs for all this category of children.

Job Description
To support children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in northern Uganda. You will be responsible for assessment, treatment and follow up of children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) in Gulu and neighbouring districts, and will work from the Rehabilitation Center at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. .

Specific Responsibilities:
• Identify, and assess children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in collaboration with the physiotherapist and social workers in the northern region. Develop a treatment plan, compile the patients file, and treat patients following the treatment plan made together with the physiotherapist and social workers, and trains parents and children on clean intermittent catheterization and bowel management.
• Mobilize and assist in the CURE clinic visits on a bi-monthly basis, and follows up on children referred to CURE hospital; establish and maintain relations with other partners involved in the management of SBH.
• Refer children for assistive devices, educational support, and parents for IGA activities to relevant other AVSI programs and other organizations.
• Carry out community outreaches to sensitize local leaders, health workers, and community members on SBH and identify new clients; and carry out home visits to children with SBH who miss their clinic appointment.
• Set up a parents’ support group and facilitate monthly meetings of the PSG and train parents in identified areas
• Monitor and evaluate the results of the treatment and report to colleagues and Programme Manager.
• Any other duties within your area of competence, as requested by your Supervisors.

Job Requirements
• Minimum of a diploma in the field of occupational therapy obtained from a recognized institution with at least a
• 5 years’ working experience with children living with physical disability. Previous experience working with children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus would be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of any other local languages (especially in Northern region of Uganda) is of added value

Work Hours: 8

Job application procedure
Application letters, accompanied with updated Curriculum Vitae indicating 3 work related referees, plus copies of relevant certificates, should be addressed to:

The AVSI Country Representative, AVSI Foundation, P.O.Box 6785, Kampala, Uganda and sent to [email protected] by Tuesday, 19th January 2021 (5.00 pm), indicating the e-mail subject as ‘Application for Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
AVSI Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and has a functional Child Protection Policy by which all AVSI staff and Associates must abide.