JOB DETAILS:

USAID’s Local Partner Health Services – Kigezi & Lango Activity is implemented by Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC). The activity is aimed at supporting the continuation of technical assistance to districts for the implementation of an integrated package of quality HIV/AIDS and TB services to the beneficiary population in the Kigezi and Lango sub-regions. The main goal of the activity is to increase the availability, accessibility and utilization of quality, integrated HIV and TB services. The Activity is extending this support to the Ankole and Acholi regions.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Community Engagement Officer, the Counselor will provide comprehensive counselling services to patients in chronic care in the HIV clinic, antenatal care/ Mother Baby care points and Tuberculosis Units.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide quality and comprehensive counselling services to clients, family members, communities and partners, with focus on HIV and TB services

• Empower clients in chronic care to disclose their HIV status to significant others • Use index client testing to access HIV testing services among children, sexual partners/networks and family members

• Participate in the process of empowering clients with skills for self-reliance and making appropriate succession plans

• Participate in the mobilization and support of communities to offer HIV education and care

• Provide home-based HIV counseling and testing, and TB screening to household members Establish and support peer support groups for clients

• Participate in the drawing and implementation of the clinic work plans.

• Perform counselling and other support techniques and procedures as requested and prescribed by the clinicians

• High degree of Integrity, Empathy, Patience, Confidentiality

• Possess the ability to work under mental and physical stress

• Conduct home visits to clients on ART and TB for adherence support

• Provide information to clients, aimed at reducing their vulnerability to diseases and infections through health education.

• Participate in HIV/AIDS awareness at the clinic and sensitizations in the communities

• Support and supervise the facility with the YAPS activities including reporting.

• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree social work, counselling psychology, guidance or Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery with a certificate and experience in HIV counselling and guidance.

• Short term capacity development courses on HIV counselling is an added advantage

• The applicant should preferably have at least a year’s experience in HIV with Counselling, and have experience in supporting HIV / AIDS and TB prevention and care services (both facility and community).

• A clear and concise understanding of the psychosocial issues relating to health and illness

• Deep knowledge of care planning procedures

• Riding skills with a valid riding license is a strong added advantage