Job Description

Main purpose of the job:

• Reporting to the Linkage to Care Project Manager, the Community Linkage Officer will play a fundamental role in ensuring that the DREAMS functional bi-directional linkage systems between schools, communities, clinical services, and social service providers are strengthened through the implementation of comprehensive, HIV prevention and inclusive case management
• This role will support the Community Services and Linkage Manager and the Linkage to Care Project Manager in the integration of community and clinical service delivery with a focus on improving results towards the 95-95-95 strategy in addition to supporting the prevention of GBV
• The Community Linkage Officer will be responsible for ensuring that proper linkage to clinical care of all beneficiaries/clients is done according to DoH guidelines

Location:

• KwaZulu Natal (KCD)

Key performance areas:

• Map and validate healthcare facilities and other relevant service providers
• Identify community structures for ongoing support to clients as required
• Map and validate High Yield AGYW entry points
• Manage community profiles
• Build and maintain relationships with different stakeholders to enable the exchange of information to communities, and the roving mobile unit services
• Maintain a responsive bi-directional linkage system
• Set up networks for effective linkage and support systems with DREAMS Implementing Partners and other key stakeholders such as health care facilities, Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs), Community-Based Organisations and Faith Based Organisations
• Develop strategies to address the needs of young people, particularly AGYW, and address them through active linkages
• Work closely with Principals, Teachers, and School-Based Support Teams to provide support to learners, either in small or large groups
• Provide individualised support for clients who test HIV+ and require linkage for Same Day ART initiation including follow-up through phone calls or SMS
• Facilitate active linkages to care for clients (this may include escorting in some cases)
• Ensure that all clients requiring Post Violence Care are appropriately linked and supported
• Support clients by answering any queries relating to their diagnosis, vulnerability and risk assessment, and the next steps in care and support
• Pro-actively identify and report any gaps preventing successful linkages
• Be available telephonically or through text messaging to support clients or to answer any queries
• Capacitate and mentor Case Navigators to facilitate appropriate linkages to care and support systems between schools, communities, and facilities
• Support the activities of Case Navigators and ensure that they are reported correctly and timeously
• Always maintain clients confidentiality
• Document and file accurately all phone calls to clients, interventions, appointments, and other systems for tracking linkages and follow-ups
• Track district linkages, follow-up visits for clients and the correct implementation of file reviews
• Report on blockages that may arise from the continuum - from identifying AGYW in high risk, demand creation, referral to initiation
• Liaise with the M & E team to capture successful linkages, obtain a list for wellness calls, and follow-ups and resolve queries
• Support community outreach, mobilisation and awareness-raising activities including health promotion activities in Schools/Communities and any other catchment sites/areas (these will occasionally occur on weekends)
• Participate in school-based health promotion campaigns, including holiday programmes and youth events
• Conduct sensitization workshops for parents and SGBs for promotion of the provision of SRH services including PrEP, in schools
• Distribute condoms and IEC material within the community.
• Motivate individuals and groups to test for HIV in the community
• Provide information and ensure clients have a good understanding of PrEP, HIV and GBV care/support pathways
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership of driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities

Required minimum education and training:

• Grade 12
• Training in Basic HAST
• HIV Counselling
• Adherence to counselling and understanding of psychosocial needs and services
• Experience with the PEPFAR 3.0 funded project will be an added advantage
• Excellent training skills in working with adult learners, particularly at the community level
• Experience in an appreciative approach is a plus
• Able and willing to work flexible hours as needed and without constant or close supervision
• Must be a South African national or permanent resident with fluency in English and in at least one local indigenous South African language
• Must have a valid South African drivers license and be willing to travel

Required minimum work experience:

• Previous demonstratable linkage and tracking experience in a health or community-based organization as a Linkage Officer or HTS Counsellor
• At least 1-year administrative experience in a health facility and or experience working with CBOs and NGOs and multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated role in strengthening coordination and linkages between clinical and community stakeholders, health and social service workforces
• Strong organizational skills, including task and time management
• Ability to multi-task, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and work with limited supervision

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Working knowledge of DoH HTS guidelines & protocols, patient movement in a mobile clinic and health facilities, referral system and linkage to care roadmap within a health system
• Familiarity with the Department of Education and DSD processes when engaging with learners and clients
• Experience working in PEPFAR-funded projects will be an added advantage
• Excellent presentation skills

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 26 April 2024.
• Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.

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