Technical Advisor: Point Of Care Testing (HIV) - National Department Of Health at Anova Health Institute

Key duties and responsibilities: 

Policy Development and implementation

• Provide technical support to the Department of Health on policy revision, District Health Policy framework and strategy revision.
• Coordinate and manage consultation with NDoH directorates, provincial District Health managers and district hospital management to discuss the policy revision, taking the National Health Insurance (NHI) into consideration.
• Plan and oversee workshops or meetings to discuss policy revision.
• Consolidate inputs on policy revision and ensure engagement with other program directorates within the NDoH.
• Provide weekly reports to the NDoH PHC management.
• Initiate and drafts submissions for Health Director General (DG)’s approval. 

Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Establish a team to develop a roll-out plan and provide oversight on the development and implementation of the plan.
• Liaise with the Health Technology department on behalf of PHC.
• Liaise with the National Laboratory Systems Manager (NDoH) and Provincial CLI/RTCQI Laboratory Coordinators regarding the roll out plan, training, and implementation in selected facilities.
• Engage National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on all QA-related activities (e.g., Post Market Surveillance, Proficiency Testing, development of quality controls and so on) for POCT.
• Assist with the review of all POCT SOPs to align and comply with ISO15189 and ISO22870, including compliance with national policies and guidelines.
• Provide input on POCT policy planning in respect of quality systems nationwide.
• Engage provincial and district management on the planned roll-out.
• Oversee asset management and allocation of equipment by provinces and districts.
• Fast track communication related to the roll-out to provinces and districts.
• Coordinate with provinces and districts on the delivery and training.
• Develop a reporting plan and liaise with NDOH M&E Unit of the indicators and data processes and reporting plan. 

Quality Improvement and Universal Health Coverage Support

• Support the ideal clinic: Align and harmonise National Quality Improvement Programme (NQIP) with the Ideal health facility Clinic (District hospitals).
• Coordinate QI with OHSS.
• Support CUPS: coordination and sharing of best practices.
• International benchmarking procurement of therapeutics and diagnostics. 

POCT Responsibilities

• Provides technical oversight for Point of Care testing performed throughout National Department of Health to meet/exceed accreditation standards.
• Ensure that the test systems are properly functioning.
• Work with nursing staff, physicians, other employees, and management as needed to ensure Point of Care testing is running efficiently and effectively.
• Travel to each of the implementing sites at least twice a year.
• Coordinate training assessments. Develop and maintain teaching / training materials.
• Coordinate competency assessment. Develop and maintain competency assessment materials.
• Provide primary support for on-site inspections and surveys. Participate in inspection readiness and tracer activities for appropriate regulatory and accreditation agencies.
• Write and maintain current procedure manual(s) in area(s) of expertise using an approved format. Assist with development, maintenance and control of laboratory policies and procedures.
• Provide data to assist manager with the development of the budget. Monitor expenses as requested.
• Provide leadership for the testing, interpretation, and reporting of results.
• Review quality control for problem identification and troubleshooting. Use quality control statistics and control procedures such as comparison between methods and results from proficiency testing to identify and or correct performance problems.
• Develop and oversee validation/verification studies for new instruments, methods, and tests.
• Receive and review proficiency testing (PT) scores and evaluations. Facilitate corrective action and training related to PT failures. Counsel and educate staff related to PT failure.
• Stay abreast with current and new POC technologies and methodologies. Make recommendations to management team.
• Assist with maintaining inventory and supplies for the Point of Care testing.
• Provide support for point of care related information systems, including implementation and validation of new middleware/software/test systems/firmware.
• Monitor POC middleware and software systems for errors.
• Review and respond to “service now” tickets related to POC instrumentation. 

General Laboratory Responsibilities

• Follow guidelines related to Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act, designed to prevent, or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Heath Information.
• Promote a culture of safety for patients through proper identification, proper reporting, documentation, and prevention of medical errors in a non-punitive environment.
• Participate in the training of staff.
• Communicate regularly with managers to relay problems or concerns.
• Assist in the total quality management in all aspects of training, testing and quality review.
• Assist in quality assurance and proficiency testing activities.
• Attend appropriate meetings as assigned. 
• Other tasks as reasonably required by Management.

Minimum qualifications and experience:

• Matric or grade 12.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science (CLS).
• Master’s degree in clinical laboratory science (MLS) or related science or healthcare field will serve as an advantage.
• Minimum eight years’ experience in a clinical laboratory with emphasis on skills related to work area.
• Certification (Medical Laboratory Scientist, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology.
• Technologist in Blood Bank, Molecular Biology) by the board of American Society of Clinical Pathologists or equivalent.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of The Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists and Clinical.
• Laboratory Improvement Amendments regulations related to work area.
• Knowledge of adult training methods.
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance principles and proficiency testing procedures.
• Demonstrated skill with laboratory information systems.

Generic Skills

• Demonstrated strong organizational skills with ability to work in a fast-paced environment independently or as part of a team.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.