HTS Counsellor

Job Title: 

HTS Counsellor  

Purpose: 

To provide a comprehensive core package of HIV, TB, STI, SRH, GBV and mental Health prevention interventions including HIV counselling and Testing services to the Adolescent and Young people as part of the broader HIV prevention strategy aligned to 95-95-95 goals.

Department:  

  Programmes

Location: 

  Gauteng X2 

Main Functions:  

1. Provide core package of AYP interventions   

1. An HIV risk and vulnerability assessment including screening for TB, STI, and GBV  
2. Offering beneficiary an HIV test 
3. Condom education 
4. Offer of male and/or female condoms and lubricants 
5. Providing HIV, TB, SRH, and GBV information (IEC Material) 
6. Completing a Service Plan that guides provision of additional integrated and layered services through referrals. 
7. Follow-up of beneficiary in cases where referral has been done. 

• Conduct demand creation as per work plan
• Conduct enrolment and obtain consent from beneficiaries recruited to be in the AYP program.
• Conduct risk assessment consisting of the following activities:

2. Conduct Counselling and Testing services 

1. Perform HIV rapid tests based on Rapid HIV testing algorithm based on daily target
2. Perform pre, post & Adherence counselling to beneficiaries in their preferred language 
3. Ensure all clinical quality control systems are followed.   
4. Upholding of the FIVE Cs of Counselling 
5. Compile and store regular reports relating to HIGHER HEALTH – supported HIV service as required by HIGHER HEALTH management. 
6. Guiding Clients to reach out to their sexual partners and biological children > 15 years (Disclosure of Status) and testing them for HIV. 
7. Educating clients on the importance of Disclosure or Partner Notification Service (PNS). 
8. HIVSS Distribution to priority populations (Male Sexual Partners and adolescents & young persons) 
9. Offering Health talks on Preventive Measures such as PrEP, VMMC, FP, Condom use 
10. Reaching Out to the Key Population (Adolescent girls/boys) with HIVST kits and distribution of Condoms 
11. Ensure results are documented as per DOH guidelines & Higher Health AYP program requirements 
12. Provide referrals & support for clients screening positive for HIV or gender-based violence 
13. Conduct TB & STI symptoms screen on all clients

3. Administration and Stock Inventory

1. Complete clinical forms and HTS stationery as per SOPs with < 5% errors in documentation
2. Compile daily, weekly and monthly reports as requested 
3. Ensure all errors identified are corrected 
4. Reporting all figures of key performance indictors achieved daily to the line manager.
5. Ensure relevant tools and registers, including incentives register is filled out by students
6. Ensure data and stock is always in safe lockable spaces
7. Manage all data collection forms and documents
8. Manage and control the roll-out of incentives 
9. Co-ordinate with, Inform and train partners on tools that will be used to manage and report on data 
10. Manage the collection of data from stakeholders

4. Linkage to Treatment, Care, and Support

1. Refer students to the relevant health services based on screening results
2. Conduct follow-ups to ensure successful referrals and monitor outcomes
3. Manage stakeholder relationships for referrals.
4. Establish and develop referral stakeholder relationships alongside, and with the support of, managers

5. Recruitment of AYP, Communication, Advocacy, and Lobbying

1. Manage Higher Health communications with all local stakeholders.
2. Lobby for the support and adoption of AYP programme in all institutions
3. Share marketing materials to support programme adoption and general awareness.
4. Attend and participate in orientation and induction programmes and conduct presentations to students to identify challenges and ensure access to services.

Requirements: 

    Qualification 

1. Matric or equivalent
2. HIV/ counselling qualification (10-day course) 
3. Driver’s license will be an added advantage.

    Experience

1. HIV Testing and Counselling Pre& Post with Finger pricking testing as an advantage.  
2. Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office Package) 

Behavioural competencies:  

1. Administrative skills
2. Communications skills
3. Interpersonal skills 
4. Organization skills
5. Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.
6. Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback.
7. Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities

Interested applicants are invited to apply for the position and should submit an application/motivation letter, CV and attach relevant qualifications to  Recruitment@higherhealth.ac.za ; indicate the name of the position “ HTS Counsellor and the province you are applying for ” in the subject line. 

Closing date: 15 October 2024.

Should you not receive response within 6 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.