HTS Counsellor: Higher Health

HTS Counsellor

Purpose

HTS Counsellor. To provide a comprehensive core package of HIV, TB, STI, SRH, GBV and mental Health prevention interventions including HIV counselling and Testing services to adolescents and Young people as part of the broader HIV prevention strategy aligned to 95-95-95 goals.

Requirements

Qualification

Matric or equivalent
HIV/ counselling qualification (10-day course)
Driver’s license will be an added advantage

Experience

HIV Testing and Counselling Pre& Post with Finger pricking testing as an advantage.
Facilitation in Capacity Development and Skills Training
Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office Package)

Behavioural competencies

Administrative skills
Communications skills
People skills
Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self-management.
Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.
Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback.
Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities

Main Functions

Provide core package of AYP interventions

Conduct HIV rapid testing (finger prick)
Perform HIV rapid tests based on Rapid HIV testing algorithm based on daily district targets
Support community awareness and perform pre counselling, post and Adherence counselling
Ensure related quality control procedures are followed.
Counselling of students in their own language where possible using the prescribed guidelines
Assist students in making informed decisions
Reassuring students about the confidentiality when doing pre-and post-counselling
Upholding of the FIVE Cs of Counselling
Compile and store regular reports relating to HIGHER HEALTH – supported HIV service as required by HIGHER HEALTH management and SITE management
Guiding Clients to reach out to their sexual partners and biological children > 15 years (Disclosure of Status) and testing them for HIV.
Educating clients on the importance of Disclosure or Partner Notification Service (PNS).
HIVST Distribution to priority populations (Men and adolescents)
Offering Health talks on Preventive Measures such as PrEP, VMMC, FP, Condom use
Reaching Out to the Key Population (SW, Adolescent girls/boys) with HIVST kits and distribution of Condoms
Ensure results are documented as required
Provide HIV information to participants that includes but is not limited to risk reduction, ARV’s, adherence, nutrition, and hygiene.
Conduct in depth one on one counselling sessions and group counselling as and when required in accordance with counselling guidelines
Provide adherence and contraceptive counselling if required
Provide counselling support and referral for clients screening positive for HIV or gender-based violence
Conduct TB symptom screen on all clients
Conduct STI symptom screen on all clients

Administration and Stock Inventory

Complete clinical forms and HTS stationery as per SOPs with < 5% errors in documentation
Compile daily, weekly and monthly reports as requested
Ensure all errors identified are corrected
Reporting all figures of key performance indictors achieved daily to the Professional Counsellor.
Communicate the statistics with the Data capturers and Data Managers.
Ensure relevant tools and registers, including incentives register is filled out by students
Ensure data and stock is in safe lockable spaces at all times
Manage all data collection forms and documents
Manage the filing system
Manage and control the roll-out of incentives
Co-ordinate with, Inform and train partners on tools that will be used to manage and report on data
Manage the collection of data from stakeholders

Linkage to Treatment, Care, and Support

Refer students to the relevant health services based on screening results
Conduct follow-ups to ensure successful referrals and monitor outcomes
Manage stakeholder relationships for referrals.
Establish and develop referral stakeholder relationships alongside, and with the support of, managers

Recruitment of AYP, Communication, Advocacy, and Lobbying

Manage Higher Health communications with all local stakeholders.
Lobby for the support and adoption of AYP programme in all institutions
Share marketing materials to support programme adoption and general awareness.
Attend and participate in orientation and induction programmes and conduct presentations to students to identify challenges and ensure access to services.