Occupational Therapist (Psychiatry)
Labasa, Fiji
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information contained was
correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes responsibility for matters under our
direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to change due to the inherent low levels of
predictability in developing country environments. This assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect
changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
Occupational Therapist (Psychiatry)
Host Organisation
Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health
Website of Host Organisation
http://www.health.gov.fj
Duration of Assignment
12 months
Start Date
13th June 2016
Pre-departure Briefing Date
18th - 20th May 2016
AVI Assignment Code
10533545
Australian Partner Organisation
N/A
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Host Organisation Overview
The decentralisation of mental health services in Fiji began in 2010 with the introduction of the Mental
Health Decree. Inpatient wards for mental health patients were developed in the Eastern Division,
Northern Division and Western Division within the hospitals, with further plans to develop mental health
services including community programs in these divisions.
St Giles hospital is Fiji’s only Psychiatric facility that was established in 1884. It has evolved over the
years from a merely being a containment facility to one offering treatment as these became available
(ECT first in the 1950s followed by psychotropic in the 1960s) and also utilizing nonbiological therapies
as well. Through a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses, medical orderlies and counsellor, St Giles
provides services to clients who are experiencing psychiatric illness, organic brain disorders, alcohol
and other substance use disorders and persons with intellectual disability.
More severe cases are sent to the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva and minor cases are treated at
the divisional centres.
The activities of the Mental Health sector in Fiji include:
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To provide a least restrictive therapeutic environment for persons suffering from mental health
disorders, that respects equity of persons.
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To provide regular in-service training programs, and to advocate for annual training
opportunities in mental health for medical nursing staff.
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To provide mental health education to families and caregivers of persons suffering from mental
health disorders, and to advocate for provisions of mental health rehabilitative in the
communities.
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To provide a safe work environment and to promote transparency, fairness and accountability
amongst staff.
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To promote the training of Divisional Primary Health care health professionals in the provision
of quality community-based Mental Health services.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Assignment Overview
Availability of Mental health professionals in Fiji is limited and with the decentralisation of mental health
services in Fiji the need for capacity building of local staff as well as support to the development of
these services is an increasing need. This assignment is part of a long term strategy in collaboration
with the Ministry of Health to support the development of this sector.
In 2014, there were 4 AVID volunteers placed in the 3 Divisions, North, west and Eastern/Central within
the Ministry of Health departments to support the development of Community Mental Health programs
including the up skilling of Community Mental Health Nurses and community health workers. With no
qualified Occupational Therapists in Fiji currently, this position is crucial to supporting the development
of psychiatric rehabilitation programs for inpatients and outpatients. This assignment is aimed to
continue reviewing and developing these rehabilitation programs in the Northern Division.
This assignment is aligned to the Fiji AVID strategy to provide support to the development of the Mental
Health Sector in Fiji through the provision of technical expertise through the volunteer program.
Assignment Objectives

Provision of occupational therapy services to service-users in stress management ward of
Labasa Hospital, by nurses and volunteers trained to provide such services;

Extension of the services to community day centres and supported employment services which
are planned to be introduced in 2016.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, volunteers complete a work plan in
the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the type of work that
may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
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Training of staff and volunteers in assessment and treatment plans for patients in the Labasa
Hospital and other settings;
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Planning and Maintaining Occupational Therapy Services at Stress Management Ward of
Labasa Hospital;
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Planning and Maintaining Occupational Therapy Services at Day Centre and Supported
Employment Service;
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To support the training of staff under the World Health Organisation’s Mental Health gap Action
Program (MH GAP)
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Assignment Information
Line Manager
Medical Officer – Stress Management Ward Labasa Hospital
Hours & Days of Employment
From 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5-day week to a maximum of 40
hours per week.
Leave Entitlement
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However, as a
minimum, volunteers will accrue 1 week of leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
Outside travel and out of hours work may be required for networking purposes.
Language Skills and Level Required
Willingness to learn local language
Language Support
AVI provides language support during the in-country orientation period. Most often additional resources
for further development later in the assignment will be available if required.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Living as a Volunteer
Independent since 1970, Fiji is an archipelago of 332 volcanic islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
About 110 of Fiji’s islands are inhabited, the largest being Viti Levu (10,642 km2) and Vanua Levu
(5,807 km2).
Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, although it remains a developing
country with a large subsistence agriculture sector. Fiji’s well developed, although fragile economy
relies upon tourism, remittances from overseas workers, and subsistence agriculture. Current socioeconomic challenges include governance, mitigation of racial tension, and on-going development.
In December 2006 Fiji's military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama deposed Prime Minister
Qarase. It was the country's fourth coup since 1987. In Sept 2014, Fiji held its elections with the
outcomes reinstating Mr Bainimarama’s party into power and confirmation of Mr Bainimarama as the
democratically elected Prime Minister of Fiji. Suva is Fiji's political and administrative capital and home
to almost half of the country's population. It's also the largest city in the South Pacific and has become
an important regional center; students from the Pacific region and a growing expat community make up
a significant chunk of the population. As with most cities, crime and poverty are factors to be aware of
and around half of Suva's inhabitants are crowded into settlements on land that has no title.
The cyclone season for Fiji is from November to April. Flooding of low lying areas during periods of
heavy rain is common and the occasional Tsunami warning for Fiji has been more predominant for the
past 3 years. For this reason, volunteers are required to seek accommodation that is 10m or higher
during their assignment.
Water on most of Fiji is relatively safe to drink. Electricity is generated through Hydro power and is
mostly constant on Viti Levu, however outer islands rely on diesel generators thus have intermittent
electricity supply throughout the day.
Health facilities are readily available and accessible in Fiji. Although the facilities may not be as modern
as facilities in Australia, the local health workers are able to treat and diagnose illnesses relatively well.
AVI has contact details for a local expat doctor that is on hand for a second opinion for volunteers or
arrange admittance to any of the local public or private hospitals.
Taxis and local buses form the main mode of transport and are relatively cheap for day to day travel.
Second hand cars are available and are more costly than in Australia. There are also car rentals from
F$50 per day.
Communication is relatively easy and reliable in Fiji, with about 4 service providers for internet and at
least 3 for mobile services with compatible prices.
Labasa has a total population of approximately 27,000 people, of which the majority is indo-Fijians. The
town has three banks, a few tertiary institutions, a sugar mill and the main Divisional hospital for the
north. Off the beaten track for main tourist operators, the town does not see many tourists, although the
nearest town, Savusavu, which is only approximately 80km away, is a hot spot for tourism.
Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed periodically
and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to the allowance level.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 850.00 per month
AUD 650.00 per month
Housing
AVI in country staff will assist the volunteer in locating reasonable housing in the different locations.
The accommodation allowance provide by AVI is sufficient for a 1 bedroom secure and comfortable
housing with basic furnishings with sharing as an option for bigger premises. AVI has places volunteers
in Labasa over the years. With no real estate agent in Labasa, availability of rental property is made
known through word of mouth or through local contacts. Rental property in Labasa is cheaper than
other locations within Fiji where AVI volunteers are placed, however with limited options for fully
furnished places.
Accommodation prices range from F$200 per month for a 2 bedroom to F$600 per month for a 3 – 4
bedroom house, depending on location.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
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Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Preparing Your Application
Personal Circumstances Constraints
We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to
security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location.
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Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the AVID program may face
issues in applying for and being issued with a visa
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Applicants with partners to whom they are not legally married and who wish to accompany
applicants as part of the AVID program may face issues in applying for and being issued with a
visa
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Applicants with criminal convictions
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document headed Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in my life?
(up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a useful
colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most relevant
experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential Skills & Experience
section of the Assignment Description.
To find out more details about preparing your application, please visit:
http://www.australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/application-process/
To find out more details about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer, please visit:
http://australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/have-you-got-what-it-takes/
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience
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Bachelor in Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy/Rehabilitation)
Working knowledge of psychiatric and mental health disorders, the management of psychiatric
emergencies and related psychiatric/ psychosocial interventions and therapy models.
Extensive results in developing psychiatric rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from
mental illnesses
Strong consultation skills with the Interdisciplinary team and community partners
Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through formal
and/or informal training and coaching
Previous experience in consulting with stakeholders and facilitating the work of others to
achieve an agreed outcome
Desirable Skills & Experience
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Ability to cope with cultural isolation and a different standard of living
A preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to register on
our website prior to applying.
Once completed, please visit www.australianvolunteers.com, log in, select the assignment you are
interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.