Peer Navigators at Heartland Alliance

Job Summary

The Heartland Alliance Ltd/Gte Nigeria Peer Navigators, in conjunction with the clinical team and program participants, develop and implement strategies to maintain or improve health and wellness needs and self-management skill sets of all program participants on comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support. Working collaboratively with the clinical, M&E and program unit the Peer Navigators provide client tracking, health system navigation, health advocacy, education and linkage to relevant specialized health, social and emotional well-being and wellness resources related to HIV.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As part of an interdisciplinary team:

• Ensures on-going tracking and support to program participants by maintaining contact by way of in person drop-in, email, telephone calls, and accompaniments.
• Inform and educate the larger community members about HIV testing sites and the value of testing.
• Provide basic HIV101 information at outreach events, health fairs, community gatherings and at the OSS.
• Assess member knowledge and self-management skill level in the areas of HIV disease including treatment, preventing disease progression, preventing transmission, self-care, emotional wellness, social support, disclosure, and harm-reduction.
• Help participants to develop self-management skills based on participant-identified needs and Clinic.
• Refer members to HIV related health and wellness services and/or other community services.
• Attend patient consults at request of clinic or patient.
• In consultation with a Supervisor, promote the Peer Navigation Program at client tracking meeting.
• Maintain confidential and accurate records and reports of all client tracking activities.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to maintaining confidentiality of participants and business operations in accordance with HAI policies.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• ND/HND/B.Sc. in relevant field
• Experience in HIV related health and wellness services, health advocacy and/or other community services is an added advantage.
• Effective communication skills, problem solving skills.

Competencies:

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.
• Problem solving-identifies and resolves problem in a timely manner, solving situations users reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal skills-focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; Listen to other without interrupting; keeps motion under control; remains open to others ideal and tries new things.
• Oral Communication-speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations: listen and get clarification; response well to question; demonstrate group presentation skills; Speaks local language of the people.
• Written communication- writes clearly and informatively.
• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitively for cultural differences; Education other on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment –free environment.
•  Ethics- treats peoples with respect; keeps commitment; inspired the trust of other; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Judgement- Displays willingness to make decision.
• Motivation- sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.

Qualities of a Peer Navigator

• You have strong emotional self-management skills.
• The ability to keep your own feelings in check while helping someone else through theirs.
• Able to creatively solve problems.
• The ability to set firm boundaries and practice assertive communication.
• The ability to put your own personal judgments, prejudice, and biases aside.
• Able to draw upon your own personal experiences with HIV, addiction, and shame to help others.
• You are an intuitive listener.
• A compassionate person with the ability to treat the person in front of you with dignity and respect.
• You can engage people who may not trust you at first.
• You work independently, and as part of a team. But, not too proud to ask for help.
• You have a strong, solid support group and/or active self-care regimen.
• You are comfortable communicating with health care professionals.
• You can work within the harm reduction model of the society