HIV Counselor (Professional Volunteer)

Requisition ID: req51981

Job Title: HIV Counselor (Professional Volunteer)

Sector: Health

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Lamwo, Uganda

Work Arrangement:

Job Description

Background:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 15 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kasese, Kyegegwa, Kotido, Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Amudat, Yumbe, Terego, Omugo, Kiryandongo and Kampala.

The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in the refugee settlements.

Job Overview/ Summary:

Under the supervision and guidance of the facility in-charge and HIV care nurse, the HIV counselor will be responsible for direct delivery of high quality and efficient HIV care services to clients at the attached health facility and in the community ensuring that high standards are adhered to in assessments, handling of client psychosocial concerns, treatment and administration of medicines.  S/he will be expected to work within the health facility and also offer services in the community in the catchment area.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Client Counseling and Support:

• Deliver pre- and post-test HIV counseling to clients.
• Offer continuous emotional and psychosocial support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
• Facilitate both one-on-one and group counseling sessions.

1. Educational Outreach and Prevention:

• Educate clients on HIV transmission, prevention strategies, and treatment options.
• Promote safe sex practices and distribute informational resources.
• Conduct outreach programs and educational workshops in the community.

1. Case Management:

• Evaluate clients’ needs and create personalized care plans.
• Refer clients to appropriate medical, psychological, and social services.
• Monitor client progress and adherence to care plans through regular follow-ups.

1. Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain detailed and confidential client records.
• Prepare and submit reports on counseling sessions and client progress.
• Ensure compliance with program guidelines and funding requirements.

1. Team Collaboration:

• Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Advocate for clients’ needs and rights within the healthcare system and broader community.

Qualifications

Qualifications, Experience and Competences

• Must have at-least a diploma in guidance and Counseling from a recognized institution.
• At least 2 years of work experience in HIV counseling, social services or a related area. Previous work experience in an HIV clinic setting would be an added advantage.
• Prior experience in HIV case management and client advocacy is advantageous.
• Good planning and organization skills
• Concern for quality and standards
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong empathy, sensitivity, and the capacity to manage emotionally challenging situations.
• Thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including modes of transmission, prevention, and treatment protocols.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ethics and integrity
• Time management

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.

Professional Standards

IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

NB: This advert will close on 7^th June 2024.