Community Systems Strengthening Registered Counsellor

HIVSA was founded in 2002, in the pre-treatment era. Over the years we have learned that connecting and including marginalized communities in all processes remains the only credible approach to truly build and empower communities as it affords them opportunities to be part of the development and growth chain. We are ambitious and resolute to demonstrate that communities can own and drive their development agenda. As such, HIVSA empowers and mentors Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to implement various initiatives. We always strive to bring health solutions to communities by facilitating access to health and social services through innovatively influencing communities’ choices. Our ultimate focus is to empower individuals and communities to be self-sustainable by developing their capacities to solve the socio-economic and health challenges that they face.

THE PHVP PROGRAMME

The CSS programme implements the Preventing HIV/AIDS in Vulnerable Populations (PHVP). The goal of the PHVP programme in Gauteng is to contribute towards HIV epidemic control by enhancing the quality, comprehensiveness, and sustainability of care and support services to improve resilience, health, and well-being of Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Adolescents and Youth (OVCA&Y) and Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), in line with the South African Government (SAG)’s strategic goals for health and social development. HIVSA’s implementation model is embedded in capacitating and strengthening Department of Social Development (DSD) funded Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to utilise a robust case management system and structured evidence-based interventions to provide holistic services to communities, OVCA&Y, and AGYW. HIVSA implements the PHVP programme in the City of Johannesburg (COJ), City of Tshwane (COT), and Sedibeng. The PHVP programme is implemented through three modalities namely, OVC Comprehensive, DREAMS Family Strengthening, and OVC Preventive.  

MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

HIVSA has received PEPFAR ARPA funding to implement specific COVID-19 activities within the PHVP programme.  The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding aims to provide multiple forms of pandemic-related relief to communities who have been affected by COVID-19. The Registered Counsellor who will be appointed will be responsible for supporting and guiding Community Care Workers (CCWs) and households to understand their problems (related to COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, or TB) and work towards setting goals and solutions for these problems. Utilising an evidence-based curriculum, the counsellor will assist the CCWs and households to manage their lives better, to instil confidence and give them the emotional tools to cope.

Key Performance Areas:

It is expected that the registered counsellor will render support services as follows:

• Utilising the Abangane Grief and Support curriculum as reference, the registered counsellor will provide capacity building related to psychosocial, emotional, and mental health and well-being to CCWs.
• Facilitating group debriefing sessions with CCWs.
• Depended on identified needs, rendering individualised counselling and support to CCWs and households.
• Mentoring and supporting CCWs to run debriefing groups and/or individualised sessions with households.
• Critical incident support services (this entails working with CCWs on resolving “challenging” household cases).
• Information dissemination and awareness raising - providing accurate information on COVID-19 vaccines, mental health, HIV, TB, and gender-based violence.
• Utilising virtual and/or digital platforms to address CCWs and households’ stressors and routinely sharing support information.
• Facilitating referrals to specialist network of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other relevant resource systems.

Requirements:

• Degree in Social Sciences related to trauma/bereavement counselling or equivalent qualification.
• Registered Counsellor must be certificated and registered with a regulatory board, preferably the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)/ the SACSSP.
• Post qualification experience in counselling, preferably trauma/bereavement counselling.
• Good report writing skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and excellent patterns of communication
• Strong mentorship skills
• Must have a valid driver’s licence and be an active driver.
• Must be partially or fully vaccinated (Covid-19)

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates that meet the requirements and are interested in the position should send motivation letter and CV with three contactable referees to: The HR Manager, HIVSA, P O Box 3869, Southgate, 2082, e-mail:  hr@hivsa.com or fax: 086 244 5444.  Closing date for applications: 28 February 2022(Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted). This is a fixed term contract till 30 September 2023.