Job Summary: Responsible for coordinating professional and peer counseling services and organizing community outreach and sensitization activities.
Job Location: Mbarara
Job Responsibilities:
- Plan and perform the delivery of the counseling services, including individual and group counseling related to HIV, SGBV, nutrition, and more areas, and establish follow up plans to ensure clients are fully supported
- Participate in ART Clinic activities including providing counseling before and after clients take HIV test and referring clients to begin ARV treatment
- Organize community education and sensitization activities on public health concerns
- Refer patients to other specialists for further assistance, when necessary, in order to propose the best support available
- Conduct home visits to current clients and referrals, where relevant
- Ensure counseling services are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics and that client confidentiality is maintained in accordance with professional guidelines and MTI Code of Conduct
- Utilize Peer Educators to assist in-home visits, community outreach and peer counseling activities
- Recruit, manage and appraise counseling volunteers, known as ‘expert clients’, and provide development and training opportunities
- Maintain records and submit to supervisor according to schedule
- Ensure direct reports have clear objectives, receive mentorship and participate in capacity building opportunities
- Conduct performance evaluations and enforce disciplinary procedures as per MTI policy
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
- A Minimum diploma in Guidance and Counseling, Social Works & Social Administration, Social Sciences or related qualification is required. Holders of Certificate in Nursing with 2 years of progressive experience in counseling prferred
- Additional training in HIV counseling is an added advantage
- 2 years of experience providing counseling in a health service setting is required
- Experience providing HIV counseling is an added advantage
- Experience working with international NGOs is an added advantage
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of counseling principles and practices
- Knowledge of HIV and SGBV related topics
- Skilled in applying counseling principles to improve the psychosocial well-being of clients
- Skilled in building relationships that make clients feel supported
- Skilled in using behavior change strategies to motivate clients to adhere to HIV treatment plans
- Skilled in organizing community education activities
- Skilled in presenting information to a group
- Skilled at using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ability to be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality
- Keen interest in mentoring staff
- Ability to hold staff accountable to work responsibilities, MTI protocol, and ethical standards
- Ability to support MTI Calling and adhere to the MTI Code of Conduct
Physical Conditions
This position requires work at health facilities and in communities located in remote areas with very basic living conditions.
NOTE: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position. Duties, responsibilities and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department or organization. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change
