Adherence Counsellor (HSC/HS4) – St. Elizabeth Health Services

Job Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the Medical Social Worker; the Adherence Counsellor has responsibility to enhance the capacity of Treatment Site to provide comprehensive Treatment and Care to PLHIV attending Clinics at the various sites via the implementation of adherence and support group programmes. The Adherence Counsellor will design general strategies and formulate short term and long-term adherence plans for PLHIV that integrate various disciplines; counselling, psychosocial support, nutritional, community and home-based care, clinical management and nursing care. 

Qualifications:

• Three (3) CXC subjects or equivalent inclusive of Mathematics and English Language 

OR

• High School Diploma or Diploma from a Technical School/HEART Trust 
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in the Public Health System 
• Experience of working with People Living with HIV Aids (PLWHA) is desirable 

Key Responsibilities:

• Recommends the most effective approaches to ensure adherence to ARVs by PLHIV being followed up at local Treatment site. 
• Develops recommendations as to programmatic implications and linkages with existing programs such as VCT and MTCT and Nutrition services. 
• Develops in collaboration with multidisciplinary team, adherence support groups for PLHIV at Treatment site. 
• Facilitates development of structured mechanisms within support groups to address psychosocial and environmental barriers to effective adherence. 
• Facilitates the provision of psychosocial support to PLHIV and caregivers to improve efficacy in meeting the psychosocial needs of clients on ARV. 
• Carries out orientation to the clinic for new attendees. 
• Develops “Buddy System” for PLHIV support on an ongoing basis.
• Any other duties, within the worker’s competence that may be assigned by the supervisor. 

Specific Knowledge and Skills Required

• Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills 
• Excellent team player 
• Working Knowledge of Public Health systems relating to delivery of health care
• Knowledge of basic HIV/AIDS facts 
• Must demonstrate the ability to provide counseling and compassionate care for PLWHAs 
• Knowledge in the area of Anti-retroviral and Opportunistic drug use 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED