Adherence Counsellor at Amref Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Adherence Counsellor will Provide initial and continuous adherence counselling to Adult,paediatric/Adolescent and PMTCT clients as guided by national guidelines and national/program standard operating procedures in select high volume facilities. He or She will work to support patients who will have defaulted treatment or failed treatment to improve their adherence. Where need be, the adherence officer will be required to support testing of new patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direct supervision of the CCC/MCH in Charge, the Adherence Counsellor will work to provide and improve overall client access to comprehensive and current medical treatment and information.
• Provide initial and continuous adherence counselling and support for clients. 
• Provide individualized client treatment education and coordinate treatment information related seminars.
• Facilitate communication between other treatment providers and the client.
• Provide medical and psychosocial support for the ART/PMTCT/TB/HIV clients
• Deliver the PWP messages to clients
• Mentor and supervise any support staff or volunteers in the facility and community who participate in adherence messaging to clients
• Work in liaison with mentor mothers to foster adherence in PMTCT clients
• Initiate and maintain Adolescent and Paediatric ART specific adherence sessions
• Follow up clients who have defaulted or failed treatment with a focus on giving appropriate messaging on adherence
• Organize talk sessions for patients on adherence (where applicable)
• Refer difficult cases for review in a counsellor network

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Diploma in Nursing, clinical Psychology, Counselling or Social work from a recognized institution. A degree in the aforementioned fields is an added advantage
• At least 2 years related experience in adherence counselling and ART community systems
• NASCOP Training in HTS testing is an added advantage.
• Supervisory experience in an MOH set up is preferred
• Knowledge of Current ART guidelines is required

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Supervisory Skills
• Basic counselling skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team Work and Team building skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Remarkable communication skills, both oral and written
• Analytical skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Result Oriented focus; and
• Emotional intelligence