(Salary: $4,266,270.00 per annum)
JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the Director, Treatment Care and Support, the Programme Officer will play a lead the coordination the national response through the selection of experts to develop recommendations for national standards and guidelines for the provision of psychosocial care, designing evidence-based behavioural interventions, training and supervising the psychosocial component of the national response. The incumbent will also work collaboratively with stakeholders in the public health system, non-governmental and civil society to facilitate training, supervision and mentorship. In addition, the Programme Officer will coordinate programmes for the treatment, care and support of key and vulnerable populations.
KEY OUTPUT
- Review and revision of guiding documents (eg. protocols, manuals and job aides) as necessary for the four psychosocial groups to standardize and optimize service delivery to PLHIV conducted.
- Trainings to develop skills for the psychosocial team, inclusive of psychologists, case managers, social workers and adherence counsellors within the national HIV response conducted
- Psychosocial training to agencies involved in implementing the HIV prevention and treatment response including non-governmental and civil society organizations conducted
- Provider Initiated testing and Counselling (PITC) Programme implemented
- Programme interventions for key and vulnerable populations in the HIV Programme defined.
- Individual Workplan prepared and submitted
- Monthly/quarterly/annual/adhoc reports prepared and submitted
Key responsibility areas INCLUDES:
- Technical Responsibilities
- Individual Workplan prepared and submitted as agreed
- Coordinate the development or, review and revision of guiding documents (eg. protocols, manuals and job aides) as necessary for the four psychosocial groups to standardize and optimize service delivery to PLHIV.
- Coordinate trainings to develop skills for the psychosocial team, inclusive of psychologists, case managers, social workers and adherence counsellors within the national HIV response to support improved well-being among key population groups, adopting HIV prevention behaviors, coping with HIV disease, treatment adherence and retention in care.
- Coordinate training in motivational interviewing to health care workers and monitor utilization of MI principles
- Coordinate psychosocial training to agencies involved in implementing the HIV prevention and treatment response including non-governmental and civil society organizations
- Facilitate regular supervision meetings for different categories of psychosocial staff
- Collate and monitor monthly reports and the expansion of Provider Initiated testing and Counselling (PITC)
- Develop, conduct, monitor and coordinate treatment activities related to key and vulnerable population groups, including children and adolescents.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop strategies for prevention and treatment that appropriately address the dynamics of the epidemic in Jamaica
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop HIV preventive interventions and interdisciplinary HIV prevention resources and communication mechanisms to rapidly translate research findings to community and public policy arenas
- Coordinate the development of national standards for the provision of psychosocial care
- Coordinate the development of guidelines for the role of psychologists, social workers, case managers and adherence counsellors in the National HIV response
- Coordinate the development, review and revision as necessary, of the psychosocial modules for online delivery to healthcare workers
- Coordinate the development M&E framework for all components of Psychosocial programme
- Monitor implementation of relevant guidelines agreed on by MOHW convened experts
- Prepare documents related to psychosocial consultancies, including development of the terms of reference and procurement documents;
- Management of psychosocial consultancies, including coordination of the provision of review and timely feedback on deliverables
- Participate in treatment site and corrective actions audits, at treatment sites and non-governmental organizations across the island providing care for PLHIV, STIs and TB
- Review and collate psychosocial reports from the four cadres (social workers, adherence counsellors, case managers and psychologists) of the sub-national team, for national and international reports as per required timelines
- Preparation of psychosocial section for the monthly and annual TCS reports;
- Develop and support the implementation of policies, programmes and activities developed for key/vulnerable population groups.
- Monitor all key/vulnerable population centered activities at treatment sites.
- Coordinate the implementation of the Enhanced Package of Care for key/vulnerable populations in health facilities.
Other Responsibilities
- The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- Key deliverables are produced within agreed time frames to the required standards
- Confidentiality of information obtained on the job is preserved
- Procurement of goods, services or works are done in accordance with current guidelines established by the GoJ and the relevant funding agencies
Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences
- Three (3) years’ professional experience in the related field
- Experience working in the health field is an asset
Kindly submit a cover letter and resume along with the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two (2) references, one of whom must be a former or current supervisor.
Applications with résumés are to be submitted no later than Friday, July 12, 2024 to:
Senior Director
Human Resource Management & Development
Ministry of Health & Wellness
10A Chelsea Avenue
Kingston 10
Email: jobs@moh.gov.jm
The Ministry of Health & Wellness thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.