Adherence and Psychosocial Support Field Officer , Mtwara

Location: Mtwara, with extensive travel of up to 80% within all districts of Mtwara region Direct Report: Regional Manager-Mtwara  OVERALL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Establish and facilitate the implementation of adherence, psychosocial support and community linkages program (APSC) including to establish/strengthen facility - community partnership/linkage mechanism, build the capacity of R/CHMT to establish/strengthen and implement APSC program, build capacity of health care providers in enhancing adherence and retention to HIV care and treatment, establish/strengthen internal referral system between various service units within the health facilities and conduct supportive supervision and mentorship on APSC services in Mtwara region. The job entails extensive travel up to 80% within all districts of Mtwara region.  The incumbent will be a member of the Adult and Paediatric care and treatment, team and will provide day to day oversight of the following areas: Specific responsibilities: Peer Education in HIV Care and Treatment Clinics (CTC) settings Conducting mapping of existing facility - community partnership/linkageEstablish facility- community partnership/linkage where they do not exist Strengthen facility- community partnership/linkage where they exist Assist in conducting selection of Peer educators Prepare and facilitate APSC trainings for TOTs, HCW and Peer educators in Mtwara region Conduct supportive supervision, mentorship, CMEs and OJT on APSC services in Mtwara region Support the implementation of peer education program in Care and Treatment settings by ensuring PEs trace defaulters; provide testimonials, link positive clients into care and treatment services and all other PE responsibilities. Work with both District AIDS Control Coordinator (DACC) and Council HIV and AIDS Control Coordinator (CHACC) to develop inventory for community-based support services within Mtwara region and strengthen community mobilization activities and linkages with community based organizations Work with District councils and the NGO responsible for the PE program to ensure establishment, registration and support is provided to the PE support groupsClinical adherence support Provide technical assistance to HCWs on care and treatment sites to implement protocols on adherence support for clients on antiretroviral care and treatment Assist in the assessment of APSC specific standards of care (SOC) at the THPS supported health facilities. Conduct supportive supervision and CMEs on clinical adherence support to HCWs as per THPS site support guidelines Distribute to facilities the relevant job aids and materials related to adherence counselling and assessment Maintain the relationship with RHMT and CHMT and Faith based organizations responsible for APSC services in the region.Take part in the integration of other programs, Pediatric, PHDP, TB/HIV units within APSC in the region through training and implementation. To prepare monthly summary report and provide periodic progress reports and provide input for the preparation of the quarterly reports. Performs other related duties as assigned Essential qualifications Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing/MedicineCertificate in National ART training and/or PMTCT care spectrum counseling Work experience in HIV and AIDS care and treatment settings Work experience/training in the National VCT/PITC counseling is an added advantage Work experience with community-based PLHIV groups or PLHIV post-test groups Familiarity with district-level health care systems in Tanzania is highly desired Strong supervisory and management skills Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills Good verbal and written communication skills.

Application Instructions:

How to apply: Interested applicants should send their application letter one page maximum and CV four pages maximum by 25th June, 2013 through email with a subject line of the position you are applying for e.g:-Clinical Advisor to HR@thps.or.tz .Only short listed applicants will be contacted. Please do not attach any certificates when submitting online. THPS is an equal opportunity employer; women and people living with HIV/AIDS are encouraged to apply.