Job Description

Anova is an NGO that empowers people and changes lives. Good health and quality of life is what motivates us to provide healthcare solutions and provide support to those who needs it most.Anovas Jab Smart project was set up in late-2017 to respond to HIV among people who use drugs (PWUD) in City of Johannesburg (COJ). PWUD are at particular risk of HIV and suffer high levels of stigma and prejudice, often being denied access to essential health services. Jab Smart is a peer-led project that provides a range of harm reduction services to PWUD. The project is implemented together with the COJ Health District, and it is supported by Global Fund through its partner NACOSA.As a Social Auxiliary Worker in the PWUD programme you will primarily be responsible for conducting individual assessments and providing therapeutic interventions for people who use or inject drugs (PWUD).Key Duties and Responsibilities:Psychosocial programs and support

• The SAW will be conducting individual assessments and providing therapeutic interventions to the PWUD currently on Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST)
• The SAW will be responsible of social re-integration and family reunifications of PWUD
• The SAW will be responsible to identify and provide assessments and support to women who use or inject drugs reached in the programme
• Screen and identify psychosocial and mental health challenges experienced by clients
• Complete full assessments for each client
• Conduct individual and group counselling working together with the outreach and clinical support team
• Facilitate small group discussion with the Advocacy officer
• Provide input to the program and implement any changes
• Provide appropriate referrals and follow up on referrals from the outreach and management team
• Be reliable, consistent, and respective pf clients' time and vulnerabilities
• Maintain client records at all times stored in a lockable cabinet
• Assist in the drafting of Standard Operating Procedures
• Conduct training and assist in skills development of peers
• Provide assistance with obtaining Identity Documents
• Provide assistance with linkage to shelters
• To follow up on each client, checking adherence to ART, TB treatment or PEP.
• When required, support HTS counsellors with counselling for pre and post HIV testing.
• Support referral for any services the PWUD required.

Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST)

• Educate service beneficiaries, staff, and others on OST
• Prepare service beneficiaries for OST and manage their expectations
• Conduct Screenings for potential OST clients
• Provide ongoing counselling and support utilizing the harm reduction ethos to service beneficiaries who are accessing/reassessing OST
• Conduct OST training as needed
• Verify information given by clients
• Provide assistance with the preparation and dosing of clients
• Build and maintain stakeholder relations as a means of referral pathways for clients
• Compile reports on client trends, needs, challenges and actions
• Perform related office administration duties of the programme.

Personal Development

• Participate in learning and development opportunities (trainings, workshops, information sessions etc.)
• Stay abreast of developments in the fields of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB
• Willingness to receive debriefing from a social worker regularly

Advocacy Support

• Identify potential advocacy issues and report to the advocacy officer
• Assist with the collection of human rights data by taking statements and reporting violations reported by PWID to the advocacy officer
• Advocate for OST and provide factual information
• Always promote effective and evidence-based drug policy

Monitoring and other organisational engagements

• Obtain regular feedback from clients to establish, the effectiveness of the programme, any missing services, opportunities and inefficiencies
• Provide regular feedback to management while always maintaining confidentiality
• Maintain a project diary so the establishment, barriers, challenges and opportunities can be effectively reported on for operational and
• research purposes
• Attend meetings, briefings, debriefing, staff meetings and other as directed to do so on a regular basis.
• Additional responsibilities delegated by managers from time to time.

Any other tasks as agreed with line manager.Qualifications and Experience

• Social auxiliary worker qualification; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in social auxiliary work
• Experience in working in HIV programmes with key populations.
• Experience in harm reduction and PWUD programming is beneficial.
• Experience in providing therapeutic interventions to address substance abuse and harm reduction.
• Ability to travel as and when required
• Non-judgmental, trustworthy and empathetic personality
• Demonstrate strong professional attitude and behaviour at all times

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and community health issues
• Facilitation skills
• Computer literate in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Report-writing skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Good communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills, including being a team player

Key Competencies:Generic Skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Attention to detail
• Planning and organising skills
• Administrative skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong team orientation
• Organising skills

In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.Anova Health Institute is a provider of essential health services and therefore has a mandatory vaccination policy. Should your application be successful, you will be required to submit your proof of vaccination before commencing employment in the role.Applicants who have not been contacted within 4 weeks of submitting their application should assume that they have not been successful.Unsolicited CVs from agencies will not be paid agency fees should their candidate be placed at Anova.For more information on Anova visit our website: www.anovahealth.co.za

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