Peer Educator_ PWID

Job Advert Summary

TB HIV Care (THC), in existence since 1929, is an internationally recognised non-profit organisation. We provide health care services throughout South Africa to both the general population and communities at increased risk for HIV and TB, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers and people who use drugs. THC provides a stimulating work environment and the opportunity to work with leaders in the field of HIV and TB prevention and care. Our work culture is adapted to the constantly evolving South African health care environment and will suit solution-driven team players interested in opportunities for career development while working to connect people with care

 Purpose of the position:

The Peer Educator is a trusted community member responsible for delivering targeted HIV prevention, treatment literacy, and referral services to psycho-social support and Key Populations safe spaces and biomedical services (PWID). The role promotes community empowerment, harm reduction, gender equality, and protection of human rights within KP-friendly health and social services.

• The Peer educator is responsible for providing peer support to all clients accessing services as part of the Global Fund Programme.
• Providing telephonic support and follow-ups to clients.
• Conduct HIV counselling and testing to clients.
• Implement advocacy and social mobilization to facilitate client engagement with services being provided by the Global Fund programme.
• The incumbent will trace treatment interrupters with the aim to bring them back and re-engage them to care.
• They will also be responsible for providing education and information around treatment and prevention to all clients.
• Rendering psychosocial support counselling, advanced adherence counselling and mentoring on a regular basis resulting in adherence and retention to care.
• Attend and support the formation and running of adherence clubs, Contemplation Groups (PWID).
• Be able to provide simple and relevant HIV, TB and STI information to clients in an age-appropriate manner.
• Complete all client and programme data records in accordance with implementation and M&E policies.
• Work in collaboration with community-based-organisations that work with Key Populations.
• Coordinate referrals to higher care level services and advocate for accessibility to these services.
• Create and maintain favourable relationships with Internal and External Stakeholders
• Actively engage with tracers and community-based services to find patients who have missed appointments and ascertain if they are lost to follow up.
• Generate routine Reports and Correspondence

Education

• Matric
• HTS counselling and testing certificate
• Advanced Adherence Counselling Certificate

Advantageous

• Post Matric qualification
• Community involvement/participation
• Experience in working with Key populations

Experience

• Experience as a HTS counsellor
• Experience working with community structures especially in HIV education and mobilisation
• At least one-year of experience in providing support and/or counselling to HIV infected individuals, dealing with psychosocial issues that influence health-seeking behaviours
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office)

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to establish effective trusting relationships
• Understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in the community
• Resident in the District where the program will be implemented