Linkage Officer_PWID(uMgungundlovu) at TB HIV Care

Purpose of the position:

• The HTS and Linkage officer will be responsible for the HIV testing of PWID in the PWID Programme, as well as linking and navigating PWID through the referral processes and ensuring linkage to care.

Minimum Requirements    

• Grade 10 completed OR senior certificate
• Finger Prick Certificate
• HIV/AIDS Counselling certificate – minimum 10-day course, which is not older than 2 years from the date of issue OR HIV/AIDS Counselling certificate - minimum 10-day course, older than 2 years’, but not more than 3 years’, with a certificate for a 2-day refresher course from an accredited provider
• 1-2 years HIV counselling experience
• Understanding of South African guidelines of HIV Testing Services and related quality assurance processes
• Knowledge of KP or programming preferable
• Knowledge of HIV, STIs and TB prevention approaches
• Computer literate in MW Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Fluent in English and isiZulu
• Ability to travel as and when required

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Provide an integrated, holistic client-centred HTS with support and guidance from the Professional Nurse Counsellor
• Perform finger prick for HIV rapid diagnostic testing
• Ability to obtain an informed, written consent for HIV counselling and testing, TB and STI’s screening
• Conduct workplace and community combination HIV prevention initiatives including STI’s, TB, HIV, risk reduction counselling, screening and appropriate referrals
• Comply to HTS, waste management and infection control guidelines and policies
• Ensure all HTS equipment is in working order
• Adhere to health and safety and infection control policies and procedures
• Support the professional nurse with the implementation of quality assurance programmes for HIV testing and counselling, including Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) and participating in proficiency testing
• Assist with assessments as and when required
• Develop strong relationships with health facilities in implementing district to ensure linkage to care for referred PWID
• When applicable, refer PWID to appropriate and required services
• Navigate PWID into health facility to ensure linkage to care

Skills and Competencies    

• Report-writing skills
• Planning skills
• Good communication skills
• Non-judgmental, trustworthy and empathetic personality
• Good interpersonal skills, including being a team player
• Demonstrate strong professional attitude and behaviour at all times
• Ability to work non-traditional hours 
• Internet software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software
• Sage People/VIP HR Premier or related HR System
• Experience with HR/Recruitment databases and HRIS systems