Linkage to Care Officer (School Based HIV & GBV Prevention Programme) Contract (Wits RHI)

Main purpose of the job:Reporting to the Linkage to Care Project Manager, the Community Linkage Officer will play a fundamental role in ensuring that the DREAMS functional bi-directional linkage systems between schools, communities, clinical services, and social service providers are strengthened through the implementation of comprehensive, HIV prevention and inclusive case managementThis role will support the Community Services and Linkage Manager and the Linkage to Care Project Manager in the integration of community and clinical service delivery with a focus on improving results towards the "95-95-95" strategy in addition to supporting the prevention of GBVThe Community Linkage Officer will be responsible for ensuring that proper linkage to clinical care of all beneficiaries/clients is done according to DoH guidelinesLocation:KwaZulu Natal (KCD)Key performance areas:Map and validate healthcare facilities and other relevant service providersIdentify community structures for ongoing support to clients as requiredMap and validate High Yield AGYW entry pointsManage community profilesBuild and maintain relationships with different stakeholders to enable the exchange of information to communities, and the roving mobile unit servicesMaintain a responsive bi-directional linkage systemSet up networks for effective linkage and support systems with DREAMS Implementing Partners and other key stakeholders such as health care facilities, Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs), Community-Based Organisations and Faith Based OrganisationsDevelop strategies to address the needs of young people, particularly AGYW, and address them through active linkagesWork closely with Principals, Teachers, and School-Based Support Teams to provide support to learners, either in small or large groupsProvide individualised support for clients who test HIV+ and require linkage for Same Day ART initiation including follow-up through phone calls or SMSFacilitate active linkages to care for clients (this may include escorting in some cases)Ensure that all clients requiring Post Violence Care are appropriately linked and supportedSupport clients by answering any queries relating to their diagnosis, vulnerability and risk assessment, and the next steps in care and supportPro-actively identify and report any gaps preventing successful linkagesBe available telephonically or through text messaging to support clients or to answer any queriesCapacitate and mentor Case Navigators to facilitate appropriate linkages to care and support systems between schools, communities, and facilitiesSupport the activities of Case Navigators and ensure that they are reported correctly and timeouslyAlways maintain client's confidentialityDocument and file accurately all phone calls to clients, interventions, appointments, and other systems for tracking linkages and follow-upsTrack district linkages, follow-up visits for clients and the correct implementation of file reviewsReport on blockages that may arise from the continuum - from identifying AGYW in high risk, demand creation, referral to initiationLiaise with the M & E team to capture successful linkages, obtain a list for wellness calls, and follow-ups and resolve queriesSupport community outreach, mobilisation and awareness-raising activities including health promotion activities in Schools/Communities and any other catchment sites/areas (these will occasionally occur on weekends)Participate in school-based health promotion campaigns, including holiday programmes and youth eventsConduct sensitization workshops for parents and SGBs for promotion of the provision of SRH services including PrEP, in schoolsDistribute condoms and IEC material within the community.Motivate individuals and groups to test for HIV in the communityProvide information and ensure clients have a good understanding of PrEP, HIV and GBV care/support pathwaysTake ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-managementFollow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintainedMaintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedbackTake ownership of driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activitiesRequired minimum education and training:Grade 12Training in Basic HASTHIV CounsellingAdherence to counselling and understanding of psychosocial needs and services Experience with the PEPFAR 3.0 funded project will be an added advantageExcellent training skills in working with adult learners, particularly at the community level Experience in an appreciative approach is a plusAble and willing to work flexible hours as needed and without constant or close supervisionMust be a South African national or permanent resident with fluency in English and in at least one local indigenous South African languageMust have a valid South African driver's license and be willing to travelRequired minimum work experience:Previous demonstratable linkage and tracking experience in a health or community-based organization as a Linkage Officer or HTS CounsellorAt least 1-year administrative experience in a health facility and or experience working with CBOs and NGOs and multiple stakeholdersDemonstrated role in strengthening coordination and linkages between clinical and community stakeholders, health and social service workforcesStrong organizational skills, including task and time managementAbility to multi-task, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and work with limited supervisionDesirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:Working knowledge of DoH HTS guidelines & protocols, patient movement in a mobile clinic and health facilities, referral system and linkage to care roadmap within a health systemFamiliarity with the Department of Education and DSD processes when engaging with learners and clientsExperience working in PEPFAR-funded projects will be an added advantageExcellent presentation skillsTO 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: 26 April 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.