Peer Educator

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:

To conduct out-reach activities to reach MSM community by providing accurate health information, mobilization of MSM to the mobile unit and linkage to care. The peer educator is responsible for providing peer support to all patients already on HIV treatment, and those beginning their treatment journey. Providing telephonic support and follow-ups. The incumbent should also be tracing Pre ART, and 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 care to all patients. Providing information and support to participants (new and existing) in the decanting programme as well as rendering psychosocial support counselling and mentoring on a regular basis resulting in adherence and retention to care.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Matric
• Peer educators should be coming from MSM community

Advantageous:

• Post Matric qualification
• Community involvement/participation

Experience:

• A basic understanding of HIV testing and/or counselling
• 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

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with client engagement officers to identify patient that need support.
• Be able to provide simple and relevant HIV/TB information to service users in a clear, convincing, and age-appropriate manner.
• Register and maintain all patients on ART onto the appropriate data collection registers/tools.
• Work in collaboration with community-based-organisations that work with patients.
• Coordinate referrals to clinic and community-based HIV care and treatment 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.
• Record and report all data obtained in the field.
• Generate routine Reports and Correspondence
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager