𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗟𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿
PSI is looking for HTS Lay Counsellors under the USAID Sustaining Epidemic Control through Unified Prevention (SECURE) Activity, a five-year initiative focused on providing person-centered, evidence-based HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services across Lesotho. The project aims to address and close critical HIV prevention and treatment gaps, working in collaboration with the Government of Lesotho and leveraging past successes to advance a sustainable, equitable response to the epidemic. The HTS Lay counsellor will distribute HIVST to the target population and ensure onsite testing for immediate results and or HTS confirmatory testing clients screened positive per VMMC programming.
This position reports to the SECURE Nurse Coordinator
𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:
Specific responsibilities include, but not limited to:
• Distribute HIVST kits to the target populations according to guidelines to HTS guidelines and VMMC programming.
• Support strategies to track and report on referrals from HIVST points to testing stations for confirmatory testing and to the facilities for accession of treatment.
• Assist in organizing community groups to ensure easier access to HIVST information and test kits amongst the target audiences.
• Contribute actively to HIVST distribution approaches and activities based upon experience in the field.
• Carry out the pre-test, rapid testing for HIV anti-body and post-test counselling and refer as per need.
• Participate Index testing and partners’ notification services.
• Follow national policy, guidelines protocols on HTS.
• Follow-up on HIV positive clients to ensure their linkage into care and treatment.
• Provide, refer and link ongoing and high risks clients with negative status to other preventive services i.e. condoms and PrEP, etc).
• Facilitate outgoing and incoming referral for relevant services
• Compiles daily, weekly, and monthly reports on referrals and linkages outlining achievements, gaps identified and suggested mitigation.
• Participate in EQC on monthly basis and PPT biannually for purposes of QA.
• Liaise with community structures to enable an environment for HTS.
• Perform other tasks, as needed, and assigned.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑?
• Minimum of COSC preferred
• Training in HIV Testing and Counselling required
• 1year working experience in HTS.
𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐒:
• Ability to work according to PSI Lesotho Prime competencies
• Respectful of cultural differences and committed to delivering non-judgmental, inclusive communication.
• Able to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, doctors and public health officials, to ensure comprehensive care.
• Strong ethical standards and dedication to confidentiality in sensitive health discussions
• Commitment and passion for the infected and affected with the HIV/AIDS
• Demonstrated ability to work sensitively and compassionately with a diverse range of clients, including the Key Population groups and culturally sensitive communities i.e., traditional initiators.
• Fluency in local languages i.e. Sesotho and English. Xhosa will be an added advantage
• Shall be able to read and write and be Comfortable to work with sexuality issues
• Exposure in Community education and awareness raising
• Computer literacy is required.
𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘:
Please attach the below documents by email to: 𝐡𝐫-𝐥𝐬@𝐩𝐬𝐢.𝐜𝐨.𝐥𝐬 with the subject line: HTS Lay Counsellor. Hard Copy Applications Not Accepted. Only Shortlisted Candidates Will Be Contacted.
1. CV should include full details of 3 referees (professional) as well as contact details of supervisor from your current or latest job. The required details are full referees’ names, designation, email address and contact numbers.
2. Cover letter
3. Certified Copies of Educational Certificates
4. Copy of ID.
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 10th, 2024, at 12:00 noon