SCOPE OF WORK/BACKGROUND
Jamaica has an estimated prevalence of 1.6% among the general population. Based on modeled estimates and case based surveillance data, it is estimated that 29,000 persons are currently living with HIV in Jamaica. Approximately 84% of the estimated number is aware of their status. This is followed by a large gap in the continuum of care with 43% of those diagnosed on ARVs and 55% of those on treatment being virally suppressed.
Specifically the Social Worker 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.
- Develop and strengthen linkages between the NAC/PAC and other NGOs and health care teams within the parishes
- Foster the development and strengthening of support groups geared towards PLHIV within the parishes
- Participate in the supervision and facilitate the 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 the 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 periodic reports 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
- Assist with facilitation of support group meetings or assign an Adherence Counsellor to assist.
- Supervise Adherence Counsellors and complete annual Performance Evaluation appropriately
- To perform any other reasonable and relevant duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- First degree in social work, Sociology, psychology and three years relevant experience with emphasis on counseling, interacting with community leaders and members, families and individuals in relation to crosscutting issues that affects these persons.
OR
- Masters degree in social work (from an accredited university), plus two years working experience in social work and counselling.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The Consultant will report to the HIV/STI/Tb Coordinator and the Medical Officer of Health in the parish to which she is assigned. These individuals will have the overall responsibility for ensuring the quality and timeliness of the required output. The consultant will liaise with the Treatment and Care Component Coordinator and the Director of the Project Coordination Unit of the Jamaica HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project will provide overarching supervision.
DELIVERABLES
In keeping with the identified needs, and through the general direction of the Regional Health Authority, the consultant will provide:
- A detailed report on all the above listed objectives will be expected on a quarterly basis as to the progress of work within the designated regions. These reports must be delivered on a timely basis as set out in the above outputs and must be deemed satisfactory for Authorization of successive work and continuation of contract.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
- Exposure to highly confidential and sensitive information
- May be required to work beyond normal working hours in order to meet deadlines.
