Primary Care Counsellor (Facility)

Title

Primary Care Counsellor (Facility)

Location

Mutare

Type of Contract

Part- time Contract

Deadline

28/07/2023 (Expired)

About

Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI) is a not-for-profit human development organisation which is registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 17/22). ZHI’s mission is to develop and deliver innovative and sustainable high-impact, integrated health interventions to the communities we serve, while working with and strengthening existing institutions.
The objective of the Accelerated and Comprehensive HIV Care for Epidemic Control in Zimbabwe (ACCE) project is to complement the government of Zimbabwe (GOZ)’s efforts towards epidemic control by targeting testing to efficiently identify PLHIV, ensuring all newly diagnosed PLHIV are immediately linked to treatment, and all PLHIV on treatment have ready access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), are retained on treatment, and remain virally suppressed. The program is being implemented in 9 districts in Midlands (Gweru, Kwekwe, Mberengwa and Gokwe South) and in Manicaland (Makoni, Mutare, Chipinge, Mutasa and Buhera).

Basic Function

The Primary Care Counsellor will be seconded to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) health facilities to support the provision of quality HIV testing and counselling services. The cadre will also support the project’s community-based HIV services including community testing, defaulter tracking and community Direct Service Delivery (DSD) models. The cadre will report to the District Implementation Fidelity Officer and will work very closely with the facility staff.

Job Description

Provide quality HIV testing and counselling services; Screen patient for HIV testing using the MOHCC screening tool and or HIV Self-Test Services; Ensure facility and community index testing for contacts of index cases; Provide intimate partner screening and LIVES support or refer LIVES support; Explore sexual network testing approach at community level and ensuring linkages to care and treatment and work closely with community nurse and ensure HIV index testing for all clients; Strengthen health facility and community linkages through working closely with MOHCC site nurses and community-based health workers in the development of robust referral systems for PLWHIV; Providing enhanced adherence counselling to PLWHIV at both facility and at community level and referring to health facilities and other service providers as maybe needed where required; Support the Community Nurse to mobilize PLHIV for community DSD models at facility level in liaison with facility leadership to conduct community mobilization, demand creation, as well as facilitate the formation and strengthening of community ART refill groups (CARGs) and support groups; Support defaulter identification, tracking and tracing; Any other activities as directed by the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

Proficiency in English and relevant local language; Knowledge of community health practices and general medical ethics; Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently within a team and health facility settings; Ability to analyze and report relevant activities, Sound knowledge of HIV Care and Treatment practices in Zimbabwe; Results oriented and able to meet project deliverables; Computer literacy is a must.

Qualifications and experience

Primary Care Counsellor certificate or equivalent (MOHCC); Certificate in Rapid HIV Testing and Counselling is a must; Good five Ordinary level passes including English; LIVES training an added advantage; Ability to ride a motor bike is an added advantage; OI/ ART experience is an added advantage; Sound knowledge and experience in M&E is an added advantage; The position holder will be subjected to two competency assessments each year. Continuity of employment is subject to passing both competency assessments.

Application Procedures

Step 1: click here to complete the job application form.
Step 2: Submit your CV and application letter via email to recruitment@zhi.org.zw clearly indicating the position you are applying for on the subject of the email.

Statement

During the application process, ZHI will not charge any fee nor will it require any payment for an application to be considered. ZHI is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical handicap or financial ability.