Linkage to Care Officer

School Based HIV and GBV Prevention Programme

Type: Fixed Term

Main purpose of the job:

• Main purpose of the job is to strengthen active linkages from community and school-based HIV testing points to HIV care and treatment facilities, and psychosocial support services. With a solid reporting line to the District Manager and a dotted reporting line to the Linkage to Care Project Manager, the Linkages Officer will play a fundamental role in ensuring functional bidirectional linkage systems between schools, communities, clinical, and social services. The Linkage Officer will support the implementation of the DREAMS package in schools, higher institution of learning and communities to achieve layering outcomes. This role will support the Community Services and Linkage Manager and the Linkage to Care Project Manager in the integration of community and clinical service delivery with a focus on improving results towards the “95-95-95” HIV strategy, in addition to uptake of GBV response and prevention interventions. The Linkage Officer will be responsible for ensuring that proper linkage to clinical care of all beneficiaries/clients is done according to DoH National guidelines.

Location: Gauteng

Closing date: 03 May 2023

Submit detailed CV to: Vacancy15@wrhi.ac.za

Advert reference number: EM0035 – 2023

In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants
from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Key performance areas:

• Map and validate health care facilities and other relevant service providers
• Identify community structures for ongoing support to clients as required
• Map and validate High Yield AGYW entry points
• Manage community profiles
• Build and maintain relationships with different stakeholders to enable the exchange of information to communities, and the roving mobile unit services.
• Maintain a responsive bi-directional linkage system
• Set up networks for effective linkage and support systems with DREAMS Implementing Partners and
  other key stakeholders such as health care facilities, Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs),
  Community Based Organisations and Faith Based Organisations
• Develop strategies to address the needs of young people, particularly AGYW, and address them
  through active linkages
• Work closely with Principals, Teachers, and School Based Support Teams to provide support to learners, either in small or large groups
• Provide individualised support for clients who test HIV+ and require linkage for Same Day ART initiation including follow up through phone calls or SMS
• Facilitate active linkages to care for clients (this may include escorting in some cases)
• Ensure that all clients requiring Post Violence Care are appropriately linked and supported
• Support clients by answering to any queries relating to their diagnosis, vulnerability and risk assessment, and the next steps in care and support.
• Pro-actively identify and report any gaps preventing successful linkages.
• Be available telephonically or through text messaging to support clients or to answer any queries.
• Capacitate and mentor Case Navigators to facilitate appropriate linkages to care and support
  systems between schools, communities, and facilities.
• Support the activities of Case Navigators and ensure that they are reported correctly and timeously.
• Always maintain client ‘s confidentiality
• Document and file accurately all phone calls to clients, interventions, appointments, and other
  systems for tracking linkages and follow ups
• Track district linkages, follow-up visits for clients and the correct implementation of file reviews
• Report on blockages that may arise from the continuum – from identifying AGYW in high risk, demand creation, referral to initiation
• Liaise with the M & E team for capturing of successful linkages, obtaining list for wellness calls, followups and resolving queries.
• Support community outreach, mobilisation and awareness raising activities including health promotion activities in Schools/ Communities and any other catchments sites/areas (these will occasionally occur on weekends).
• Participate in school-based health promotion campaigns, including holiday programmes and youth
  events .
• Conduct sensitization workshops for parents and SGBs for promotion of provision of SRH services
  including PrEP, in schools.
• Distribute condoms and IEC material within the community.
• Motivate individuals and groups to test for HIV in the community.
• Provide information and ensure clients have a good understanding of PrEP, HIV and GBV care/support pathways.
• 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.

Required minimum education and training:

• Grade 12, Training in Basic HAST, HIV Counselling, Adherence counselling and understanding of
  psychosocial needs and services Experience with PEPFAR 3.0 funded project will be an added
  advantage.
• Excellent training skills in working with adult learners, particularly at the community level; experience in an appreciative approach a plus.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours as needed and without constant or close supervision.
• Must be a South African national or permanent resident with fluency in English and in at least one
  local indigenous South African language.
• Must have a valid South African driver’s license and be able and available to drive.

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities

• Working knowledge of DoH HTS guidelines & protocols, patient movement in a mobile clinic and
  health facilities, referral system and linkage to care roadmap within a health system.
• Familiarity with Department of Education and DSD processes when engaging with learners and clients.
• Experience working in PEPFAR funded projects will be an added advantage.
• Excellent presentation skills
• Able and willing to work flexible hours as needed and without constant or close supervision.
• Must be a South African national or permanent resident with fluency in English and in at least one
  local indigenous South African language.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including report writing.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours as needed and without constant or close supervision.

Required minimum work experience

• Previous demonstratable linkage and tracking experience in a health or community-based
  organization as a Linkage Officer or HTS Counsellor
• At least one-year administrative experience in a health facility and or experience working with CBOs
  and NGOS and multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated role in strengthening coordination and linkages between clinical and community
  stakeholders, health and social service workforces
• Strong organizational skills, including task and time management
• Ability to multi-task, establish priorities, and meet deadlines, and work with limited supervision.

Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please send an email to vacancy15@wrhi.ac.za. The
subject heading of the email must read EM0035 – 2023 and the job title of position applying for. Please include the following documentation:

• A cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for
• A detailed CV

All the best with your applications.