Surveillance Officer at Jhpiego

Overview

• To collect quality clinical data and samples from patients at designated sites for the relevant surveillance projects as per protocols. The surveillance officer will be involved in clinic, community and hospital-based surveillance and research for programmes/ projects that link with and fall under the GERMS-SA laboratory and syndromic surveillance programme This includes syndromic pneumonia, diarrhoeal, acute febrile illness and urinary tract infection surveillance at certain sites.

Responsibilities

• Screen patients, identify cases, rapidly enroll patients for surveillance projects by (1) close liaison with the clinical laboratory/ healthcare facility, (2) daily review of all laboratory/ healthcare facilityrecords, and (3) by using other methods that have been put in place for that site
• Collect surveillance data by interview and/ or medical record review
• Obtain informed consent from identified/eligible patients
• Counseling and perform venesection for HIV testing as required
• Collect samples from patients according to study protocols and ensure their safe submission to NICD File surveillance and research records on–site after data collection according to the relevant protocol
• May be required to travel between clinics / hospitals / laboratory for collection of data / consumables
• Communicate on a regular basis with the Healthcare facility staff, laboratory, on-site coordinators and NICD coordinating units and present data and reports as required
• Regularly collate and submit surveillance data gathered
• May be required to supervise junior surveillance officers and research assistants and ensure training, data quality from the site
• May be required to assist with permissions and ethics for the region
• Compile site statistics, as required by line manager
• Keep control of stock and request stock timeously
• Keep up to date with relevant, current and emerging research, methods and technologies to ensure personal growth and development
• Perform tasks assigned by the line manager, related to GERMS-SA surveillance and research

Required Qualifications

• 4 yr diploma / degree
• Nurse (registered)
• SANC Registration as a PROFESSIONAL/REGISTERED nurse
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of clinical experience post qualification
• Two (2) to Three (3) years experience in clinical research or surveillance will be an advantage
• Self motivated and able to work independently
• Familiarity with the running of the regional hospitals and clinics and good relationship with clinical staff
• Team orientated.
• Willingness to improve interaction between laboratory and clinical staff
• Ability to work national, multi disciplinary team
• Interest in public health work
• Driver’s license and own vehicle is essential for some sites
• Computer literacy, good computer skills and experience with data collection applications
• Good Clinical Practice certification will be an advantage
• Attention to detail
• Good communication skills in local language