Job offer: Contact Investigator - Hiv/sti/tb Unit

OrganisationSouth East Regional Health Authority ReferenceVAC-51869Contract TypeFull-TimeIndustriesGovernment & Public SectorLocationKingstonSalary & Benefits Date Posted30/08/2024Expiry Date13/09/2024The Contact Investigator prevents and manages STIs by investigating sources, locating contacts confidentially, counseling clients, educating the community, and assisting with treatment.

 

JOB PURPOSE:

A Contact Investigator is responsible for the prevention and management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) through investigations and locating the source of STIs, HIV/AIDS and suspected contacts in a confidential manner. The Officer performs related functions such as counselling of clients and educating the community on the prevention of STIs. Assistance with treatment is also done. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• • Graduate from an accredited institution as a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Registered Nurse midwife, Public Health Inspector, with at least 3 years experience in their field of studies. 
• • Successful completion of 1 year training in prevention and management of STFHIV/AIDS( is preferred) 

 

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• • Knowledge of objectives, functions and specialized activities of the STI/I-HV/AIDS Control Programme and the Primary Health Care Service
• • Knowledge on related subjects such as family planning, substance abuse, child abuse, social services, etc. 
• • Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and updates in the management.
• • Knowledge of special techniques involved in the investigation and treatment of persons suspected of and in contact with STI/HIV/AIDS. 
• • Knowledge of the practices of Public Health, updates and current trends in the field. 
• • Ability to develop and maintain harmonious relationships with staff, health professionals, agencies, patients and contacts. 
• • Skills in both oral and written communication. 
• • Skills in counselling including risk assessment and risk reduction for clients. 

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH JOB

• • May be required to work beyond normal working hours

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Verify notifications of STIs submitted from the clinic, health department or surveillance office at the central level. 
• Interview infected persons referred to obtain general and medical information about their sexual contacts. 
• Locate and motivate suspect cases and contacts to report quickly to physicians or clinics for medical examination to determine the presence of infection and obtain treatment. 
• Conduct STI clinics to interview, counsel, and ensure that clients and their contacts are appropriately treated according to the National STI management protocols.
• Conduct pre and post test counselling for HIV & syphilis testing.
• Provide related health education and counselling for clients, contacts and their relatives. 
• Participate in surveillance of HIV and other STIs. 
• Assist in organizing and conducting outreach programmes and targeted interventions for high-risk groups such as Adolescents, Commercial Sex Workers and Homosexuals/Bisexuals. 
• Conduct health promotional activities in communities, schools, churches, service clubs, work places, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) etc. 
• Foster and maintain professional relationship with physicians and other health and welfare agencies in the community. 
• Contribute to the formulation of programme plans. 
• Prepares and submit monthly reports. 
• Provide technical assistance to Community Peer Educators and Laboratory Technicians. 
• Monitor known cases and their contacts, reports and investigate delinquents.