HIV Care and Support Officer at Georgetown Global Health Nigeria (GGHN)

Job Overview

• HIV Care and Support Officer will play a vital role in ensuring people living with HIV have access to the care and support they need to live healthy lives.
• S/he will provide technical assistance in the implementation of Care and Support services in GGHN-supported sites under the supervision of the Care and Support Specialist.
• S/he will collaborate with healthcare workers, community partners, and CSOs to ensure enrollment and provision of requisite services to all HIV sub-populations, facilitating progress towards achieving the 98:98:98 epidemic control goal.

Responsibilities

• The Care and Support officer will provide Technical Assistance (hands-on mentorship) to adherence counselors, Nurses, case Managers & other Health Care Workers in all facilities in their designated cluster on care and support services.
• Monitors and coordinates the daily patient care activities, including patient assessment/evaluation, adherence counselling strategies, care plan development process, appointment tracking, and ensuring effective service delivery.
• The job holder will work with the team to identify social determinants of health that may impact adherence (homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues, acute medical problems, lack of or inadequate health care benefits, etc.) and assist team with prioritizing those needs.
• Provide technical and programmatic support primarily in the areas of HIV prevention and care services, and community-based HIV Care and Support for project beneficiaries and their caregivers in project communities.
• Assist in strengthening the capacity of Case Managers and CMT in HIV response in line with operational strategies for achieving project aims, results and performance expectations. Implement clear performance metrics and feedback mechanisms, focusing on client engagement outcomes.
• Will be responsible for implementing strategies designed to strengthen the linkages between the community-based care activities and the health facilities providing HIV care and treatment towards ensuring a continuum of care.
• Support the implementation of evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing HIV risk behaviors, HIV transmission, and gender-based violence with a focus on adolescent girls and young female caregivers.
• Provide ongoing training on client-centered care, effective communication, and empathy-based counselling to improve client support and overall program quality.
• S/he is to provide technical guidance to ACE2 partner CSOs in the Implementation of technical program activities for community-based HIV Care and Support.
• S/he will collaborate closely with the ACE2 team to roll out and implement an integrated and holistic facility and community-based response to HIV / AIDs towards scaling up access to HIV prevention and care services, including Differentiated Services Delivery models for ART and PrEP.
• Provide technical input for the development of strategies, design, and implementation of HIV Prevention / Care & Support activities; ensure activities improve access to HIV prevention and care services amongst project beneficiaries.
• Coordinates services with other patient care units as required; maintains communication with allied services and maintains community liaison as appropriate.
• Direct CSOs towards overall technical quality - including adherence to technical standards, best practices, and donor guidelines for all HIV Prevention Care & Support activities of the project.
• Support strategies towards ensuring that project activities are built on strong behavior change principles and build the capacity of CSOs and relevant GON staff in effective implementation and monitoring.
• Oversees and provides direct nursing evaluation and/or other related care and consultation to patients as required.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.

Requirements and Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Public Health, Social Sciences or related filed is an added advantage.
• Registered Nurse or Community Health Extension Worker with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working on development health issues including HIV, with at least 3 years’ experience in implementing HIV Prevention, Care, and Support programs.
• Experience in supporting HIV Testing and Counselling programs in health facilities, mobile units, and community outreaches
• Good knowledge of the Government of Nigeria HIV Care and Treatment guidelines and experience working with the Ministry of Health, communities, CSO and other relevant entities

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and civil society partners and communities
• Viable knowledge transfer techniques to diverse audiences through workshops, training, and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles
• Knowledge and understanding of HAT services structure, workflow, and operating procedures
• Ability to conduct patient evaluation and triage procedures
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgements in a timely fashion

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Proficient use of Microsoft office for documenting and reporting
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community
• Advanced nursing skills
• Fluency in English and local language.