Summary
Date Posted: Monday, July 22 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Lugazi Diocese with support from Makerere University Walter Reed project through a system strengthening approach to improve HIV and TB Prevention, care and treatment services is implementing a comprehensive HIV/ AIDS prevention Care and Treatment program in collaboration with Local Government structures, Faith Based Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBO), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development and other partners in the districts of Buvuma, Mukono, Buikwe, Luwero, Nakasongola. LUGAZI DIOCESE seeks to engage qualified persons, to support implementation of the Core DREAMS package among vulnerable and at-risk Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), in Luwero District and implementation for KP program in Nakasongola and Luwero districts.

Position Summary:
DREAMS program aims to create a holistic approach to HIV prevention for AGYW, addressing both their health needs and the social factors that contribute to their risk. DREAMS program roving counsellor will act as a bridge between AGYW and essential healthcare services, empowering them to take charge of their health. This will be done through Group counselling, coaching and mentorship of the service providers at the safe spaces, SW and SC will then equipe AGYW with Knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their health and well-being. The Roving counsellor will closely work with the Safe space social workers, Subcounty coordinators and Data officers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
• Mental Health screening and support; Areas of concern; Mental Health Screening and support HTS. Referral & Linkages, PrEP,
• The roving counsellor will closely work with the facility teams & SW Mentor and coach them for Pre-test counselling and post-test counselling, educating AGYW about HIV transmission. prevention methods, and the testing process, while addressing any anxieties they may arise.
• She will be responsible for supporting AGYWS for Mental Health screening and support with Psyco-therapy PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a crucial component of the DREAMS program. It is a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) even if their partner is HIV positive.
• Therefore, the roving counsellor will support improve uptake through counselling that addresses concerns and empowers AGYW to make informed decisions for successful uptake.
• The roving counselor will work closely with the SW to create Peer support groups among AGYW that can provide Information and support their peers.
• All barriers to Prep uptake will be documented by the Roving counselor. Violence presents a significant risk factor

Violence presents a significant risk factor for HIV infection.
The counselor will provide coaching and mentorship for Screening and Identification: while addressing the link between violence and HIV risk, aiming to create a safer environment for AGYW
• The roving counselor and SW will periodically mentor and coach Subcounty coordinators, facilitators to identify signs and symptoms of violence during interactions with AGYW All AGYW at risk because of violence will be counseled by the roving counselor and issues will be documented in the Case notes/ GBV register and or Psychotherapy register (Whatever is relevant)
• She will work closely with the M&E/ program team to ensure standardized screening tools are used to assess a participant's experience with violence and Mental health
• The roving counselor will support teams to develop safety plans that identify potential risks and strategies for staying safe.
• Roving Counselor and SW will conduct referrals to shelters or other support services that can be provided if immediate safety is a concern.
• The roving counselor will provide individual or group therapy to help AGYW cope with the emotional and psychological effects of violence. In cases of severe violence, the roving counselor & SW may connect AGYW with law enforcement or legal aid services to seek justice and protection.

Mental Health
• Mental health is a critical area addressed by the DREAMS program, considering the significant challenges adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) may face. By offering mental health screening, psychosocial support, and referrals, AGYW are empowered to manage their mental well-being and create a foundation for a healthy life. Therefore:
• The roving counselor will engage the line listed AGYW as referred by SW to identify signs and symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder).
• The counselor will ensure that teams use standardized screening tools or questionnaires to assess mental health status
• In cases requiring more specialized care, the roving counsellor will connect AGYW with mental health professionals like psychologists or psychiatrists at the health facility within proximity.

Psychosocial Support and Counselling:
• The roving counselor will provide Individual or group counselling sessions that address mental health concerns and BCC.
• The roving Counselor will address sexual and reproductive health issues, promote healthy relationships, and provide life skills training to help AGYW make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Reporting
• Write and submit progress reports to the DREAMS project coordinator on a weekly basis.
• Roving counsellor will closely work with the SW and data officers to document relevant registers e.g. GBV, HTS & Psychotherapy.
• The roving counsellors may also be involved in data collection and record keeping for the program for the target specific areas; HTS, Prep, KP, Mental health, GBV and related Psychotherapy. Additionally, The Roving counsellor will work closely with the visiting facility. teams and Social Worker to support HIV Testing and Counselling through
• Providing pre and post-test counselling for HIV testing/Retesting. This involves explaining the test, potential risks, and benefits, and offering emotional support throughout the process.

Conduct referrals and linkage to Care:
• If someone tests positive, the roving counsellor and social worker will connect them with healthcare providers who can offer treatment and support services.

Required Education, Knowledge and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in social work and social administration Counseling, or a related field.
• Certificate in Counselling is an added advantage
• Keen at listening and secretly keeping personal information
• At least one years' experience in HIV/ AIDS related work
• Knowledge of Ministry of health and local government systems

Other desired attributes
• Ability to work collaboratively and Independently to achieve set goals. Ability to meet very tight deadlines. Ability to professionally communicate in writing and verbally.

Physical Ability:
• Ability to permanently reside in Luwero. Supervisory Controls: The individual will serve under the immediate supervision of DREAMS Program Officer

Contract Tenure: 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funding.


Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure

Candidates who wish to join Lugazi Diocese should send their updated CVs and cover letters to lugazimp@gmail.com  with subject heading "POST APPLIED." and apply online. Deadline for Application is 30 July 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


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