HTS Counsellor (Maternity reliever)

Job Title:

HTS Counsellor (Maternity reliever)

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:

  Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth)

Main Functions: 

1. Provide core package of AYP interventions.

The core service includes the following key interventions that are implemented: 

• Demand Creation 

• Enrolment and consent   

• Risk Assessment consisting of the following activities: 

• An HIV risk and vulnerability assessment including screening for TB, STI, and GBV 

• Offer of an HIV test

• Condom education

• Offer of male and/or female condoms and lubricants

• Providing HIV, TB, SRH, and GBV information (IEC Material)

• Completing a Service Plan that guides provision of additional integrated and layered services through referrals.

• Follow-up of beneficiary.   

1.   Conduct Counselling and Testing services 

2. Conduct HIV rapid testing (finger prick)

3. Perform HIV rapid tests based on Rapid HIV testing algorithm based on daily district targets

4. Support community awareness and perform pre counselling, post and Adherence counselling

5. Ensure related quality control procedures are followed.

6. Counselling of students in their own language where possible using the prescribed guidelines 

7. Assist students in making informed decisions

8. Reassuring students about the confidentiality when doing pre-and post-counselling

9. Upholding of the FIVE Cs of Counselling

10. Compile and store regular reports relating to HIGHER HEALTH – supported HIV service as required by HIGHER HEALTH  management and SITE management

11. Guiding Clients to reach out to their sexual partners and biological children > 15 years (Disclosure of Status) and testing them for HIV.

12. Educating clients on the importance of Disclosure or Partner Notification Service (PNS).

13. HIVST Distribution to priority populations (Men and adolescents)

14. Offering Health talks on Preventive Measures such as PrEP, VMMC, FP, Condom use

15. Reaching Out to the Key Population (SW, Adolescent girls/boys) with HIVST kits and distribution of Condoms

16. Ensure results are documented as required

17. Provide HIV information to participants that includes but is not limited to risk reduction, ARV’s, adherence, nutrition, and hygiene. 

18. Conduct in depth one on one counselling sessions and group counselling as and when required in accordance with counselling guidelines

19. Provide adherence and contraceptive counselling if required

20. Provide counselling support and referral for clients screening positive for HIV or gender-based violence

21. Conduct TB symptom screen on all clients

22. Conduct STI symptom screen on all clients

1.  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 Professional Counsellor.

5. Communicate the statistics with the Data capturers and Data Managers.

6. Ensure relevant tools and registers, including incentives register is filled out by students

7. Ensure data and stock is in safe lockable spaces at all times

8. Manage all data collection forms and documents

9. Manage the filing system

10. Manage and control the roll-out of incentives 

11. Co-ordinate with, Inform and train partners on tools that will be used to manage and report on data 

12. Manage the collection of data from stakeholders

1. Linkage to Treatment, Care, and Support

2. Refer students to the relevant health services based on screening results

3. Conduct follow-ups to ensure successful referrals and monitor outcomes

4. Manage stakeholder relationships for referrals.

5. Establish and develop referral stakeholder relationships alongside, and with the support of, managers

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

2. Manage Higher Health communications with all local stakeholders.

3. Lobby for the support and adoption of AYP programme in all institutions

4. Share marketing materials to support programme adoption and general awareness.

5. 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. Facilitation in Capacity Development and Skills Training

3. Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office Package) 

Behavioural competencies: 

1. Administrative skills

2. Communications skills

3. People skills 

4. Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self-management.

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 region you are applying for” in the subject line. 

Closing date: 17 April 2024.

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