Patient Selection Supervisor
Summary:  
Description:  

The Patient Selection Supervisor is responsible for executing the primary patient selection process within the host nation. This process includes 3 phases, namely:

  • Assessment
  • Coordination for Assessment and Advance
  • Advance

Assessment, commences with the assessment of the surgical need in the host nation.  After assessment, the Patient Selection Supervisor is responsible for drafting the patient selection strategy in collaboration with the Global Patient Selection Manager.  It is particularly important during this phase that good relationships are developed with the host nation including the Ministry of Health (MOH), missionaries, former patients and local authorities as key contacts.

Coordination for assessment and advance is the “in-between” phase that bridges both Assessment and Advance.  

Advance involves implementing the patient selection strategy including, identifying sites for primary patient selection events, using the Patient Referral Technology, overseeing the setup of patient transportation by the Patient Selection Logistics Coordinator, leading the primary patient selection events and overseeing the nursing team.  The Patient Selection Supervisor is responsible for handover to the ship Preoperative Manager when the ship arrives in country and will stay onboard the ship for at least two weeks after the start of surgery.

 

Essential Duties And Responsibilities (Include But Not Limited To)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Assessment 

  • Work with the Country Engagement Team to research the local health system and its structure, available medical research including the national plan for surgery, and certain communicable and non-communicable diseases 
  • Meet with national and international medical NGO's  
  • If applicable, gather Mercy Ships data pertaining to previous field services.  
  • Gather information to get a better understanding of culture and religion and potential impact of these on Patient Selection 
  • Meet with Government officials at the MOH to understand the national picture in regard to surgical provision 
  • Seek opportunities to connect and start relationships with local hospitals and clinics both in the port city and interior 
  • Travel to the interior of the nation to begin building trust and to gain an understanding of surgical need and provision in remote areas  
  • Adhere to budget plans and provide accurate accounts of spending 
  • Provide reports to the Country Director and Global Patient Selection Manager in regard to all activities  
  • Adhere to all security procedures 

Coordination for Assessment and Advance

  • Design patient selection strategy for the host country in collaboration with the Global Patient Selection Manager
  • Present patient selection strategy internally to Director of Clinical Services, Preoperative Manager and the Country Engagement Planning Team.
  • Work with the IS team on updating the Patient Referral Technology
  • Present the Surgical Schedule and Patient Selection Strategy to the host nation together with the Global Patient Selection Manager
  • After a handover from the Preoperative Team (AFM/GLM) and in collaboration with the Hospital and Global Patient Selection Manager, coordinate follow-up care for patients with complications as needed. 
  • Evaluate vitamin and supplement support for patients from primary patient selection to secondary patient selection
  • Evaluate patient assessment requirements and tests, like blood sugar and pregnancy in primary patient selection

Advance

  • Responsible for executing Primary Patient Selection
  • Perform thorough patient assessments
  • Connect with local clinics and setup referral process for required preoperative tests that cannot be done onboard a Mercy Ship
  • Schedule patients for secondary patient selection
  • Represent Mercy Ships in various meetings
  • Provide Patient Referral Technology training to local health care providers, volunteers and MS staff/crew
  • Liaise with the Preoperative Manager and other Hospital staff as required (Dental Team Supervisor, Eye Team Manager) 
  • Meet with the host government, local authorities, and ministries involved in the selection of patients 
  • Inform the MoH, and all necessary parties of the process for patient referrals received by Mercy Ships 
  • Liaise with the Eye Team Manager to support the ophthalmology patient selection and pre-operative patient process where needed.   
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Requirements)

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values.
  • Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
  • Required to ascribe to the Mercy Ships Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct.
  • Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
  • Strong Christian commitment as evidenced by life and character. 
  • Very good understanding of African cultures, specifically West African cultures
  • Knows and operates within the Mercy Ships Surgical Scope of Practice
  • Required to participate in frequent travel between Mercy Ships locations, around 8-10 months of the year, with around 6 months in the same host nation. Note: The primary work location will be based in the host nation
  • Demonstrates excellent people & networking skills
  • Is an autonomous and independent thinker, along with a team playerwho works efficiently in a team environment
  • Represent Mercy Ships and able speak in public
  • Works well under pressureand with team and individual deadlines
  • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Possesses excellent organizational, administrative and time management skills
  • Possesses initiative, good judgement, and the ability to analyze and solve problems 
  • Possesses a strong customer service mindset including attitude and approach 

Education And Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the education and / or experience required.

  • Successful completion of Mercy Ships Entry Training will be required within the first year. 
  • Minimum of 2 years of cross-cultural experience working in developing nations and managing projects in the field, preferably with Mercy Ships 
  • One-year experience on a Mercy Ships vessel required, with specific experience in patient selection strategy and processes
  • Good understanding of Mercy Ships and specifically Programs and logistical requirements is required 
  • Bachelor or master’s degree in a related discipline preferred. 
  • Healthcare background required working within the surgical discipline as a nurse, physical therapist, doctor, or related profession
  • Participation in Country Engagement Team (CET) training where appropriate
  • French language skills strongly preferred (International B2 level or equivalent)
  • Must have or be willing to obtain an International Driving permit
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Opportunity for future training will form part of each team member's personal development plan and be considered on a case by case basis.  It may include: language training, job specific experience onboard on of the vessels or at the International Support Center, security, leadership and other related professional skills.