Details Regarding the Vacant Posts in the Barbados
Defence Force
1. Headquarters, Barbados Defence Force, is inviting suitably qualified applicants for the following sessional posts:
a. Physical Therapist
b. Dental Hygienist
c. Dental Assistant
d. Clinical Psychologist
e. Medical Doctor
f. Dietitian
Academic Qualifications. Applicants should possess:
Physical Therapist:
a. Registration and in good standing with the Paramedical Council of Barbados;
b. A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in clinical practice;
c. Experience in acute care settings (will be considered an asset);
d. A Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy (minimum qualification); and
e. Post Graduate qualifications and/or training in Sports Medicine or Orthopaedics (Manual Therapy) will be an asset
Duties
The duties of the Physical Therapist include, but are not limited to:
a. Assessing, evaluating and monitoring BDF personnel as referred to the Physical Therapy Clinic by the BDF-approved Doctors;
b. Employing best professional efforts to restore the highest possible level of functional capacity/independence attainable by BDF personnel undergoing physical therapy;
c. Maintaining written records of communication to the Force Medical Officer (FMO) pertaining to the physical therapy management and care of BDF personnel referred to the Physical Therapy Clinic;
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d. Providing relevant instruction/guidance in self-care management that is aimed at improving rehabilitation outcomes to BDF personnel receiving physical therapy; and
e. Advising the FMO of any special findings arising out of physical therapy clinics pertaining to occupational health and safety issues that may be contributory factors in respect of injuries/ailments sustained by BDF personnel or may be contributing to the ineffectiveness of therapeutic treatment regimens.
Dental Hygienist:
a. Registration and in good standing with the Dental Council of Barbados; and
b. Diploma in Dental Hygiene or a certificate of proficiency in Oral Hygiene
Duties
The duties of the Dental Hygienist include, but are not limited to:
a. Providing routine dental care to BDF personnel, including preventive treatments such as cleaning, scaling and fluoride applications to maintain oral health and prevent dental diseases;
b. Performing routine dental assessments and examinations, identifying potential oral health risks and providing appropriate preventative treatments;
c. Administering prophylactic treatments to improve oral hygiene and prevent the onset of gum disease and cavities;
d. Working closely under the supervision of the BDF Dentist for any complex cases or where further dental intervention is required, ensuring that treatment plans are aligned with military oral health protocols; and
e. Maintaining a detailed and accurate record of all dental care provided to BDF personnel, ensuring that patient history and treatment plans are consistently updated.
Dental Assistant
a. Two (2) subjects at CSEC General Proficiency level (Grade 1 –3), one of which must be English Language; and
b. At least three (3) years’ experience as a Dental Assistant;
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c. Proof of job history and clinical experience; and
d. Formal training as a Dental Assistant.
Duties
The duties of the Dental Assistant include, but are not limited to:
a. Assisting the dentist during procedures, including preparing and passing instruments and materials, suctioning fluids and taking x-rays;
b. Maintaining a sterile and hygienic environment by sterilising instruments and equipment and preparing the operatory after each patient;
c. Providing reassurance and emotional support to patients who experience anxiety or nervousness by creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere;
d. Accurately and efficiently maintaining patient records, including dental charting, treatment notes and medical histories; and
e. Managing and monitoring stock levels of dental materials and supplies to ensure the practice is always well-equipped.
Clinical Psychologist
a. Registration and in good standing with the Paramedical Council of Barbados; and
b. A postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology and not less than two (2) years’ experience.
Duties
The duties of the Clinical Psychologist include, but are not limited to:
a. Caring for and treating all members of the BDF;
b. Diagnosing psychological conditions and developing individualised treatment plans based on initial assessments. Focussing on non-pharmacological, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, while working closely with the BDF Mental Health Nurse to monitor treatment progress and make necessary adjustments;
c. Providing psychological support to strengthen soldiers’ resilience. This includes individual and group sessions aimed at promoting stress management and effective coping strategies. Collaborating with the
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BDF Mental Health Nurse to ensure that soldiers receive continuous support and care;
d. Conducting visits to high-stress operational or training environments to assess the mental well-being of soldiers. Providing onsite psychological support, collaborating with the BDF Mental Health Nurse to assess and enhance resilience and offer recommendations to Unit Commanders for improving mental health support; and
e. Advising Unit Commanders on identifying early signs of mental health issues and recommending strategies to promote mental health and psychological well-being. Collaborating with the BDF Mental Health Nurse and Psychiatrist to ensure proper evaluation and management, and follow all procedures for managing fitness for duty.
Medical Doctor
a. Registration and in good standing with the Medical Council of Barbados;
b. A minimum of five (5) years’ clinical experience with supporting documentation;
c. Postgraduate qualification in Family Medicine will be considered an asset; and
d. Availability to work on-call as required.
Duties
The duties of the Medical Doctor include, but are not limited to:
a. Caring for and treating all members of the BDF;
b. Collecting, recording and maintaining patient information, such as medical history, reports and examination results;
c. Prescribing or administering pharmacotherapy, referral for other specialised medical care or adjunctive therapies, to treat or prevent illness, disease or injury;
d. Collaborate with other BDF-approved doctors or other medical specialists as necessary in the management of patients; and
e. Through the Force Medical Officer and in consultation with the Officer in Charge, Florence Gittens Medical Facility (FGMF), conduct and lead clinical training sessions for medical personnel within the FGMF.
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Dietitian
a. Registration and in good standing with the Paramedical Council of Barbados;
b. Proof of qualification as a Dietitian; and
c. A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in clinical nutrition or dietetics.
Duties
The duties of the Dietitian include, but are not limited to:
a. Conducting comprehensive dietary assessments of BDF personnel and staff, considering age, physical demands, and medical conditions, with a specificfocuson identifying and addressing risk factors for chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity;
b. Developing and implementing individualised dietary care plans for:
(1) Performance enhancement and training recovery;
(2) Chronic disease management (e.g. cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders);
(3) Age-related health concerns (e.g. bone density, muscle mass retention, cognitive health);
c. Collaborating with food service personnel to ensure that meals provided across the Force meet national dietary guidelines, are safe, nutritionally adequate and support the diverse needs of BDF personnel, including older individuals and those managing chronic conditions;
d. Conducting inspections and audits of food preparation sites to ensure compliance with nutrition standards, portion control, and food safety, especially during deployments or field training; and
e. Assisting in the development and implementation of BDF nutrition-related policies, including those addressing chronic disease management and nutritional support for an ageing military population.
2. Submission. Qualified applicants are requested to submit the following:
a. A cover letter addressed to the Chief of Staff, indicating the position applied for;
b. A detailed curriculum vita;
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c. Copies of relevant qualifications, certifications and proof of registration;
d. Two (2) recent professional references;
e. Three passport photos; and
f. A Police Certificate of Character.
3. Method of Selection. Applicants will be expected to attend an interview with a panel as selected by HQ BDF. Interested persons are invited to submit applications addressed to: Chief of Staff, Barbados Defence Force, St Ann’s Fort, Garrison, St Michael, no later than 15 September 2025.
4. Assessment. Applicants will be assessed on the following:
a. Relevant qualifications and professional training;
b. Experience;
c. Performance at interview; and
d. General suitability.
5. Further particulars and a copy of the detailed Terms of Reference for the posts may be requested from the Officer in Charge, Florence Gittens Medical Facility (OiC FGMF) at oicfgmf@bdf.gov.bb or the Staff Officer Civilian (SO Civ) at sociv@bdf.gov.bb. Only suitable applications will be acknowledged.