JOB PURPOSE
The Social Worker is expected to provide and adequately refer patients to the Tek It To Dem Project in an effort to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Tek It To Dem Project to the homeless population.
RESPONSIBILITIES (TECHNICAL/ADMINISTRATIVE/PROFESSIONAL)
The officer will be required to:
- Conduct comprehensive social investigations in order to identify the social, emotional and economic factors related to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Consult with other members of the health team to provide information on social factors impinging on treatment, care and support of HIV/AIDS clients.
- Communicate with the relevant agencies and other professional groups in the interest of patients and to provide data for the development of social and workplace policy to reduce stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Foster the development and strengthening of support groups geared towards PLHIV within the parishes.
- Participate in the supervision and implementation of the Home Based Care programme.
- Provide counselling for PLHIV and their families in crises either in person or by phone and making appropriate referrals.
- Interview clients their immediate and extended families as well as community members to and in the investigation of alleged abuse of persons affected by, or infected with HIV/AIDS
- Participate in the formulation and implementation of individual plans of action for PLWHAs and their families in conjunction with Health team.
- Establish linkages and maintain contact between PLHIV Treatment sites relatives and other relevant institutions.
- Collaborate with private, Government and NGO sector in arranging and monitoring skills training and placements for persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Maintain files with updated records/reports pertinent to areas of direct responsibility and provide repots to the Regional Health Authority and other relevant agencies.
- Identify training needs of clinic staff in the related field and make necessary recommendations
- Recommend financial assistance in respect to maintenance and grants for orphans and vulnerable children due to HIV/AIDS liaising with relevant children services to secure assistance.
- Facilitate interactions between PLHIVs and Family with a view to encourage family support and acceptance.
- Participate in carrying out investigations requested re PLHIV in difficult circumstances
- Participate public education programme on issues affecting PLHIV
- Strengthen the referral network for PLHIV between various institutions within/between the regions
- Make appropriate PLHIV referrals to the Liaison Officer for Social Support to assist.
- Supervise Adherence Counsellors and complete annual Performance Evaluation appropriately.
- Perform any other reasonable and relevant duties assigned
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- Key deliverables are produced within agreed time frames to required standards
- Confidentiality of information obtained on the job is preserved
- Key outputs/deliverables are produced within agreed time frames to the required standards.
- Individual Workplan is prepared within the established format and time frame and supports the strategic objectives of the component.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Highly organized;
- Ability to draft well-written correspondences;
- Analytical thinker with strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications.
- Excellent people management skills
- Excellent Information Analysis skills
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- First degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology and three years relevant experience with emphasis on counselling, interacting with community leaders and members, families and individuals in relation to crosscutting issues that affects these persons.
OR
- Master’s degree in social work (from an accredited university), plus two years working experience in social work and counselling.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
- The Officer will report to the Project Coordinator (NCDA) or his/her designate and will work closely with Project representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other partners.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
- Maybe required to work beyond normal working hours in order to meet deadlines.
- Will be required to travel island wide to execute job functions
- Exposure to highly confidential and sensitive information
Interested persons may apply in writing accompanied by resumes. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, December 6, 2021 to:
Director
Human Resource Management & Development
Ministry of Health & Wellness
10A Chelsea Avenue
Kingston 10
jobapplications.moh@gmail.com
Please note that responses will be sent to short- listed applicants only