Aurum Group: Community Health Worker

The Aurum Institute is offering a great opportunity to suitably qualified and experienced staff to contribute towards our mission to improve the health of people and communities through innovation in Health Research and Systems. We are focused on research, support and implementing integrated approaches to managing TB and HIV. The following positions have become available as part of the various projects currently being run by us and you are welcome to apply should you meet the requirements of the position.

Community Health Worker
The Community Health Worker is responsible for providing outreach services to the Community, to provide home visits and symptomatic screening for households and referrals to health facilities for further management. Other responsibilities include education, information, counselling and prevention.

Technical Work Responsibilities
Identify individuals who has TB symptoms or are HIV-positive but are not in medical care by receiving referrals, utilizing information about missed appointments, and conducting outreach activities at various community venues
Work to build the trust and confidence of patients
Provide accurate information to patients about living with TB and HIV, preventing further transmission, the benefits and challenges of TB and HIV care and treatment, and available services and how to access them
Provide assistance to patients to help them enrol or re-engage in medical care
Together with case managers and clinical staff, support patients throughout the early part of their care so they participate fully, become educated, and can advocate for themselves
Help patients to develop confidence in their participation in TB and HIV treatment
Work with case managers to assist patients in identifying services to address other aspects of their life that affect their health, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, domestic violence services, housing programmes, education and employment
Comply with all programme protocols, including those regarding confidentiality of patient information
Promote Health Education daily by conducting mobile outreach activities in the community.
Coordinate, collaborate and liaise with all internal and external stakeholders toward the achievement of organizational goals
Develop and maintain favourable relations with internal and external stakeholders
Help patients develop health management plans and goals
Coach patients in the effective management of their chronic health conditions
Assist patients in the understanding of care plans and instructions
Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner whilst adhering to policies and procedures
Establish positive, supportive relationships with participants and provide feedback
Assist clients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to: obtaining a medical home, providing instructions on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers
Motivate patients to be active and engaged in their health plan
Distribution of community educational material and marketing of the studies
Provide social support
Schedule and complete follow-up appointments with participants whom miss sessions
Compile and submit daily statistics
Compile and submit monthly statistics
Identify training needs and implement approved interventions
Achieve performance targets
Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures according to prescribed legislation
Report all unsafe activities to Senior Management/Human Resources
Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals
Adhere to decision making processes
Adhere to the relevant procedures with regards to participant confidentiality

Education
•Grade 12 or equivalent
Advantageous
•Valid Driver’s Licence
•Counselling Certificate
•Computer literate Skills
•Knowledge of the TB program

Experience
•A minimum of 6-12 months related experience

Requirements
•Record keeping and reporting skills
•Good communication skills
•Fluent in at least 2 languages (Afrikaans, English, Xhosa)
•Knowledge of the area applying for
•SA Citizen or valid work permit to work in South Africa
•Willing to work overtime
•Understanding of specimen handling and transportation

please note that these positions are based at Matzikama / Cederberg

Kindly provide current and relevant references for background checks

All appointments are subject to the preferred candidates obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking and competency assessment. We embrace employment equity and are committed to achievement of fair and equal representation of our workforce. Preference will be given to internal applicants and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Aurum welcomes applications from all persons with disabilities

Whilst all applications will be carefully considered, only short-listed applicants will be interviewed. If you do not hear from us within 21 days of the closing date, this will mean that your application has been unsuccessful. All interviewed applicants will receive feedback as part of our continued drive towards people development.