Volunteer Community Health Assistant (CHA) at International Rescue Committee

Job Purpose/Objective

• The Community Health Assistant (CHA) is responsible for supporting the delivery of primary healthcare services at the community level. This includes immunization, health promotion, maternal and child health support, disease prevention, and facilitating effective linkages between households and health facilities. The CHA plays a key role in coordinating and supervising Community Health Promoters (CHPs), supporting the implementation of the Kenya Community Health Strategy, and ensuring accurate reporting and data management. The position reports directly to the Health Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery and Health Promotion

• Provide basic health services including immunization, health education, and management of common illnesses such as diarrhea and malaria.
• Support maternal and child health, including promoting antenatal/postnatal care and breastfeeding.
• Educate communities on healthy behaviors, including hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and water safety.
• Conduct household visits for health education, surveillance, and disease prevention.
• Facilitate community dialogue days, action days, and health campaigns.
• Promote the uptake of preventive health services such as family planning and safe water use.

Community Mobilization and Engagement

• Work with Community Health Committees (CHCs), CHPs, and other stakeholders to implement health strategies and work plans.
• Strengthen community participation in health programs and support referrals between communities and health facilities.
• Collaborate with local leaders, NGOs, and MOH structures to enhance health outcomes.
• Conduct routine follow-ups of patients defaulting on immunization, HIV, nutrition, and chronic illness services.

Supervision and Capacity Building

• Oversee and support the performance of CHPs, ensuring clear roles and household assignments.
• Organize and conduct training, mentorship, and on-the-job support for CHPs.
• Develop training curricula and contribute to training manuals in collaboration with the CHP team.
• Ensure annual training and biannual supervision of CHPs is carried out effectively.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of services delivered at the community level.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection, compilation, and reporting using MOH tools and digital platforms.
• Analyze and utilize data for performance monitoring and decision-making.
• Submit regular reports to the health facility and relevant stakeholders.

Program Implementation and Coordination

• Support the rollout and implementation of the national community health strategy.
• Coordinate implementation of community health action plans and participate in program reviews and health surveys.
• Attend facility-level meetings and provide guidance on community health issues.
• Participate in camp-wide health surveys and intersectoral coordination meetings.

Other Duties

• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Health Manager or Program Manager to support health programming.

Key Result Areas

• Effective supervision and coordination of CHPs.
• Timely and accurate reporting of community health data.
• Increased community participation and improved health outcomes.
• Consistent training and capacity building of community health workforce.
• Strengthened linkage between the community and health facilities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Diploma in Community Health, Public Health, Environmental Health, or a related field.
• Registered with a recognized regulatory body.

Experience and Competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community health or public health.
• Experience working with or supporting the MOH in implementing the Kenya Community Health Strategy and Community Health Policy is a MUST have.
• Ability to design community engagement and BCC strategies to foster positive change and sustainable impact in the community.
• very good understanding of how the MOH and county health department’s function.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong team player with cultural sensitivity and adaptability to challenging environments.
• Previous experience working in low-resource or refugee settings is an advantage.