TITLE: Quality Assurance (QA) Assistants
Dept. Quality Assurance Department
Based in: Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal
Report to: QA Officer
Start Date: 1st December 2021
Who we are:
PSI-SA Health Solutions (PSI-SA HS) a South African affiliate of Population Services International (PSI), the world’s leading non-profit social marketing organisation that operates in over 50 countries. We work to make it easier for people in the developing world to be healthy by providing access to products and services that range from mosquito nets to HIV testing. PSI in South Africa currently concentrates on issues of HIV/ AIDS with the view to strategically expand to other public health areas.
Join Us!
We are looking for an experienced-dynamic individual for the position of Quality Assurance Assistant who will need to contribute to the maintenance of high quality of health care standards by working with the QA Officer to constantly measure the effectiveness of the services provided in partnership with and/or through PSI-SA HS direct service delivery teams.
The role will work in close collaboration with the technical team, support teams and the Executive Management and other stakeholders, to ensure that PSI supports the country in meeting their strategic donor objectives.
Sound like you? Read on.
Your contribution:
Based in Gauteng or KZN the QA assistant will work under the direct supervision of the CQI Officer to provide CQI/QA support in the implementation of safe and high quality VMMC. This will be implemented using existing NDoH/ WHO/PEPFAR CQI/QA tools to build the capacity of teams to implement QA & QI activities.
The QA Assistant will need to contribute to the maintenance of high quality of health care standards by working with the QA Officer to constantly measure the effectiveness of the services provided in partnership with and/or through PSI-SA HS direct service delivery teams.
The QA assistant will work together to support QA needs across other provinces where the VMMC/CMI services are being offered by the organisation.
They will serve as a provincial resource to support the efficient, high-quality implementation of PEPFAR/CDC-funded VMMC services in alignment with global, national, and donor guidelines and standards
Champion VMMC quality, safety, risk management, data use, and data transparency among VMMC service providers, municipal, district, and provincial government stakeholders.
Working with the QA Officer help build capacity and provide ongoing support across to the MMC programme to perform continuous quality improvement (CQI) with paper-based and digital instruments.
Under the guidance of the QA Officer provide on the ground support to internal and external key stakeholders in conducting comprehensive quality assurance (QA) at VMMC service delivery points across assigned regions.
Ensure timeous and accurate documentation of all support provided and key meetings (e.g., CQI committee meetings sessions, tracking progress on gap closure using the CQI methodology, training provided etc.)
Together with and under the guidance of the QA officer promote and facilitate information sharing of persistent quality barriers and best practices to accelerate learning and program improvement.
Maintain data quality and security of quality in line with project guidelines.
Support the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of quality management activities
Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of the activities conducted.
Any other supportive/role as assigned by the CQI Officer
Work with the QA officer to Mentor teams to
Ensure provision of effective Mentorship of all staff at sites.
Ensure implementation of good to great
Participate in site visit support and pick out training needs.
Ensure ongoing refreshers and/or assessments for all PSI Programme personnel.
What are we looking for?
The candidate we hire will embody PSI’s corporate values:
Measurement: You use hard evidence to make decisions and guide your work. You set clear goalposts in advance and explain clearly if you need to move them.
Pragmatism: You’ll strive to deliver the best possible result with the resources available. You won’t be paralyzed by a need to make things perfect.
Honesty: You own your mistakes and are open about your shortcomings – it’s the only way you’ll learn and improve.
Collaboration: You’ll quickly establish a mental map of whom you can rely on for what, on your team, at headquarters, and in our country offices – if you try to do it all yourself, you won’t succeed.
Trust: You accept limits to your sphere of control and give colleagues the benefit of the doubt
Commitment: You are in it for the long-haul and want to grow with the organization, just like PSI serves its consumers and partners with host-country governments through thick and thin
The basics and Qualifications:
Grade 12/matric and;
A health care professional with a qualification in a health science or equivalent (e.g., enrolled nurse, diploma, or degree) and 3 years QA experience or;
A non-Clinician with a minimum of 3 years proven experience in QA within the VMMC setting and a related QA qualification certificate/diploma or degree. 3 years’ experience conducting Quality Assessments and CQI
Demonstrated skills in VMMC service provision
In-depth knowledge of current international and national guidelines for VMMC, minor surgery, infection prevention and control, and emergency management
Extensive knowledge of the local health systems from the national to the local levels
An understanding of approaches to quality improvement and health performance, including CQI, QA, root cause analysis and/or human factor analysis, strongly preferred.
Proven track record of working successfully with various teams to achieve a desired outcome.
An understanding of how projects work on project teams is essential.
Must possess strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills; must be able to work both independently as well as on a collaborative basis within all levels of organizations, including with physicians, employees, and management staff.
Demonstrated training and mentorship skills.
Demonstrated self-management capability (i.e., motivation to operate independently, ability to deal with pressure, initiative to plan, high level of engagement and adaptability, and accountability to project timelines and expectations)
Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and intense pressure to perform.
Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English and at least one other South African language
What would get us excited?
General knowledge of the HIV epidemic.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to plan, organise, coordinate, and implement work inputs from several sources and partners and manage the simultaneous delivery of multiple outputs.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work accurately under pressure and maintain a high standard of professionalism.
Computer literacy and strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of Software Applications.
Ability and willingness to travel across the various districts and provinces and work long and flexible hours as needed.
Where to apply?
The closing date is 21 October 2021 by email to: [email protected] Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and be invited for interviews.
PSI SA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of actual or perceived race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status or responsibilities, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or breastfeeding, genetic information, disabled or employment status. PSI SA reserves the right to conduct background checks on shortlisted candidates. We reserve the right to withdraw any of the vacancies at any time.
www.psi.org/country/south-africa/