Job Description

Main purpose of the job:

• To educate sex workers and their partners regarding sexual reproductive-related issues as well as create a presence within the sex worker community through the community clinic, outreach service and, mobile services by spreading messages of positive decision-making and making a difference through social and educational initiatives

Location:

• Germiston - Ekurhuleni District

Key performance areas:

• Provide a comprehensive package of services through a network of Peer Educators to sex workers and their clients in designated programme sites, including group-based support and risk reduction for sex workers
• Coordinate the activities of Peer Educators to cover all areas of designated sites under the control of the Site Coordinator
• Conduct regular meetings to discuss progress and address challenges to continuously improve programme implementation
• Monitor the activities of Peer Educators and provide the necessary support to ensure the performance, confidentiality, and commitment of Peer Educators
• Provide emotional support, counselling, and supervision to Peer Educators
• Address any challenges and performance-related issues with the Peer Educators to the Programme Manager
• Work closely with the Peer Educators to ensure successful referral and follow-up
• If applicable, perform health-related duties under the supervision of a professional nurse
• Conduct regular monitoring and support site visits to peer educators
• Work with Peer Educators to mobilise sex workers to understand the importance of knowing their HIV status and accessing HIV Testing Services
• Liaison with public health facilities and other relevant role players - attending meetings, etc.
• Working with the Site Manager and Peer Educators, ensure that the service providers in the area are sensitised to the needs of sex workers
• Recruit participants (i.e. Sex workers and their partners) for Clinical services
• Identify hot spots where sex work takes place to enable the recruitment of participants
• Build and maintain good working relationships with brothel and hotel managers to maintain recruitment of sex workers
• Keep a record of daily activities done to update the monthly stats on the number of sex workers educated and compile monthly reports
• Working with the Programme Manager, ensure the implementation of the programme's operational plan
• Monitor condom and lubricant stock at project sites and arrange proactive distribution by the Peer Educators
• Identify gaps in services for sex workers and strategise with the programme manager in an attempt to ensure they are filled
• Conduct regular surveillance activities to identify new or under-serviced sites and assist with formal size estimations as required
• Assist with research activities as required
• Respond to enquiries from internal and external clients about programme activities
• Verify and collect weekly and monthly reports from Peer Educators
• Consolidate data and other information from Peer Educators, prepare and submit monthly and quarterly reports to the M&E Officer and Programme Manager
• Plan and facilitate risk reduction workshops, small support groups and creative spaces and write workshop reports
• Perform related office administration duties of the programme
• Attend meetings, briefings, debriefings, staff meetings and others as directed to do so regularly
• Additional responsibilities delegated by managers from time to time
• Represent the organisation with pride and ensure you adhere to the ethos and principles
• Attend briefing meetings, debriefing sessions, staff/site meetings and other meetings as asked to do so regularly
• Act as a role model to strengthen positive behaviour change of sex workers and peer educators
• Any other duties deemed appropriate by the Programme Manager
• 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 your career by participating in ongoing training and development activities
• Participate in learning and development opportunities (trainings, workshops, information sessions, etc.)
• Stay abreast of developments in the fields of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB

Required minimum education and training:

• None (as a result of the needs of this project)

Required minimum work experience:

• Must have worked as a sex worker and know about Sexual Health Education

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Good communication skills must be able to speak more than one African language
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptable, approachable, empathetic, and willing to take initiative

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: 01 March 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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Company Description

The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa's health challenges.

It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology.

AJ Personnel