Jobs at Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

About the Job

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit organisation focused on the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa. 

We have fantastic job opportunities across our businesses for talented people wanting to realize their full potential. Could that be you? If so, we invite you to explore the possibility of joining us to play your part in Desmond Tutu Health Foundations’ exciting future.

Main purpose of the Coach- Mpilo Peer Educator will play a vital role in our organization, focusing on providing education, support, and guidance to individuals who have been diagnosed with TB and/or HIV. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a peer-led intervention to support men with TB and TB/HIV.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 Certificate
• Must have experience as a TB or TB/HIV champion in communities, clinics, and other settings
• Fluency in IsiXhosa and English
• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Previous participant engagement experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting clients.
• Knowledge of TB and HIV, including prevention, treatment, and community resources
• Computer literacy with sound knowledge of email, Microsoft office suit
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to participate in research activities and data collection
• Good planning and organizing
• Time management
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends

Advantageous:

• Work experience in the community within the health sector
• Basic-knowledge of public health and community resources
• Able to assist with community meetings

Responsibilities:

• Education and Awareness: Provide accurate information and education about TB and HIV to individuals and their families, with a focus on prevention, treatment, and management.
• Lived Experience Advocacy: Utilize personal experiences with TB/HIV to connect with clients, offer empathy, and inspire hope.
• Support and Counselling: Offer peer-level emotional and psychological support to clients by listening to their concerns, providing reassurance, and guiding them through the challenges they face.
• Resource Referral: Assist clients in accessing appropriate healthcare services, treatment options, and community resources, helping them navigate the healthcare system.
• Research Participation: Engage clients in research activities, including surveys, interviews, and data collection, to contribute to our organization's research initiatives and improve TB/HIV services.
• Participant Management: Maintain weekly and/or monthly contact with participants with in-person meetings and WhatsApp. Monitor their treatment progress and refer clinical questions to the study coordinator.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of client interactions, ensuring confidentiality and privacy standards are upheld.
• Collaboration: Work closely with healthcare professionals, social workers, and other staff members to ensure a holistic approach to client care. Attend weekly study meetings to report progress of participants and review study implementation.
• Self-Development: Stay updated on the latest developments in TB and HIV research and treatment to provide the most current information to clients.

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About the Job

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit organisation focused on the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa. 

We have fantastic job opportunities across our businesses for talented people wanting to realize their full potential. Could that be you? If so, we invite you to explore the possibility of joining us to play your part in Desmond Tutu Health Foundations’ exciting future.

Main purpose of this role is recruitment, retention, and project co-creation with young people in the Klipfontein/Mitchells Plain area. This role will be involved in frequent community dialogues and engagement and setup and maintain a youth PrEP club.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 Certificate or Equivalent
• Between the ages of 18-29
• At least 1 year experience of recruiting participants in a research/NGO environment
• At least 1 year experience of working with adolescents within the health sector
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including PrEP
• Knowledge of public health and community resources
• Applicants must have knowledge of Klipfontein or surrounding areas with preference for applicants residing in these areas, and knowing the communities well
• MS Office proficiency (Word and Excel)
• Fluency in English and isiXhosa
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Good administrative skills
• Ability to build interpersonal relationships and maintaining rapport
• Excellent planning and organising skills
• Client (participant) focus
• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions
• Able to work independently and as a member of a team
• Must be detail orientated and have an interest in community engagement
• Willingness to travel locally and work irregular hours

Advantageous:

• A Valid Driver’s License (code8)
• A sound knowledge of geographical area (Klipfontein/Philippi) will be advantageous
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification

Responsibilities:

• Recruits potential FastPrEP study participants for FGDs and community dialogues
• Coordinates logistics and documentation for community dialogues
• Provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants
• Communicates with study coordinator regularly to discuss participants and accrual progress
• Oversee the FastPrEP youth club
• Assists Research Assistants and Social Science Interviewers in the conduct of Participatory Research in the Community
• Assists in demand creation materials and practices
• Contacts participants who have missed scheduled visits; keeps a regular check of all participants who have been contacted/visited
• Keeps a record of all visits carried out
• Meets weekly with the investigator, SCO and CLO to discuss recruitment, retention and content of Youth Reference Group
• Liaise with youth Community Advisory Board regarding study progress
• Performs all activities according to Good Clinical Practice Standards
• Works in a consistent ethical manner
• Maintains participant confidentiality at all times
• Provides basic information about PrEP to potential participants and basic HIV and ART education to other clients (individually and in groups)
• Responsible for ensuring that all study related data is entered accurately and timeously.
• Assist with filing research forms and patient files