Peer Navigator
CITY OF UMHLATHUZE, KING CETSHWAYO DISTRICT
CLOSED
26 JUN 2021
OVERALL JOB FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager the Peer Navigator will ensure referral and link service beneficiaries to clinical, psychosocial, and other support services. Navigators will be matched with HIVpositive beneficiaries shortly after each beneficiary’s positive diagnosis for health support. As part of their role, they may walk beneficiaries through the initial registration at a service site if previously was not ready to initiate right after testing. They should have extensive knowledge of the health, psychosocial, and other support services available in their area and beyond. Navigators ensure that service beneficiaries are aware of nutrition, peer support, legal aid, psychological, GBV, and case management services and receive the necessary support to access these services.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Identifying young people who are showing signs of treatment default and conduct adherence counselling and refer to social worker where necessary. Tracing of loss to follow up of clients already on ART.
Distribution and supply of flyers/IEC material containing HIV information and all the services that the AGYW program offers, on a continuous base to hot spot areas and where the young people are largely found. (Areas where young people congregate)
One on one and group discussions on ART adherence via phone e.g., WhatsApp.
Health education and motivating young people to undertake regular HIV testing and importance of ART/PrEP adherence. Motivating young people to enrol into the program.
Conduct HIV Counselling and Testing when required or where necessary. s. Navigators may refer partners of beneficiaries or other individuals to mobile or fixed testing sites at public or community-based facilities or provide community-based testing directly. (Index testing)
Keeping their actions continually focused and centred on the self-determined health and wellness goals of clients.
Health navigators can help clients learn when and how to seek care, including the specific steps to take to navigate the health system. Referral to appropriate services according to the client’s needs. • sSupport to make informed decisions about their health and treatment that reflect their cultural values; and/or support to keep their appointments and adhere to treatment.
Liaise with health and other social service providers as needed.
Provide practical advice about medication-taking cues, medication refills, clinical visits, options for obtaining medical care and treatment, side effect management, reminders, and organizational tools that have worked for them. Support may include regular calls and messages, accompaniment to appointments, evaluation and adjustment of adherence plans, and delivery of medication, as needed.
Self-management support also includes building client confidence to navigate the system independently.
Build and maintain relationships with different stakeholders to enable the exchange of information to communities, and the mobile clinic services.
Work closely with the PrEP team (Nurses, HIV Counsellors, and linkage officers) to create demand (through different platforms – community events, radio shows, outreach programmes etc.) in different settings, promote health awareness talks.
Report on daily activities done in order to update the monthly stats on the number of people that were engaged with.
Be willing to travel to attend and actively partake in the PrEP Ambassador meetings and workshops.
Ensure quality adherence counselling at all AGYW program service points (Safe space, satellites, Mobile clinic)
Ensure that the NDoH Adolescent and youth-friendly services (AYFS) standards are implemented and monitored at AGYW prevention program sites.
COMPETENCIES
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Zulu.
Ability to take initiatives, work under pressure and multitask with minimum supervision.
A team player with good interpersonal skills.
Sound problem solving and decision-making skills; effective time management and coordination skills.
Good reporting skills
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Grade 12/Matric Certificate.
Qualified HIV Counsellor with a certificate of HIV counselling.
Experience with public speaking and trained on facilitation skills.
Have knowledge and experience in TB/HIV/AIDS management and sexual reproductive health.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and supervision skills.
Strong organizational skills, including time management and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to travel within uMhlathuze sub-district and King Cetshwayo District
REQUIREMENTS
A letter of application
Curriculum Vitae
Copy of ID or passport
Copy of qualifications’/Certificates
For enquiries please contact: Clinical Manager (Sr Thando Mbuyazi) 035-7892056.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Strategic Analytics and Management reserves the right not to fill the post and to re advertise to widen the pool of applicants. We also reserve the right to do a complete verification of all information supplied.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.