Adherence Counsellor – Ensuring Health Recovery in Kakuma, Kenya

Adherence Counsellor – Ensuring Health Recovery in Kakuma, Kenya

Job ID: req43664 | Sector: Health | Employment: Fixed Term | Type: Full-Time | Location: Kakuma, Kenya

Join Our Team and Make a Difference

Are you passionate about helping vulnerable communities? Do you have experience in adherence counseling within an HIV program? If so, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has an exciting opportunity for you as an Adherence Counsellor in Kakuma, Kenya.

About IRC: Transforming Lives, Empowering Futures

At IRC, we are dedicated to supporting the world’s most vulnerable individuals to reclaim their lives, health, and aspirations. Since 1992, we have been providing vital health care, women’s empowerment, protection, and nutrition services to refugees and host communities across Kenya.

Role Overview

As an Adherence Counsellor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that patients on HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) adhere to their treatment plans. Under the guidance of the Senior Clinical Officer, you will provide essential counseling, debunk HIV/AIDS myths, educate patients on ART effectiveness, and offer continuous support to improve adherence.

Your Responsibilities

1. Assessment and Education: Evaluate patients’ understanding of HAART and its significance for their health.
2. Adherence Advocacy: Utilize the 5A’s approach to facilitate patients’ commitment to their treatment regimen.
3. Disclosure Support: Plan and facilitate disclosure conversations for patients facing challenges.
4. Barrier Identification: Identify and address obstacles that could hinder treatment adherence.
5. Continual Education: Provide ongoing education on HIV/AIDS and ART to empower patients.
6. Individualized Planning: Develop personalized medication schedules and monitor progress.
7. Appointment Management: Efficiently book adherence services and maintain records.
8. Group Sessions: Organize group adherence sessions for newly enrolled and concerned patients.
9. Peer Network: Facilitate connections with Peer Educators and conduct home visits.
10. Collaboration: Work with Community Linkage and TB/HIV Officers to enhance support.
11. Referral Coordination: Refer patients to relevant services and maintain a referral directory.
12. Performance Reporting: Prepare monthly adherence reports to assess progress.
13. Facility Enhancement: Identify and address facility-specific adherence gaps.
14. Additional Duties: Fulfill any tasks assigned by your supervisor.

Key Outcomes

• Increased Family Planning uptake among HIV-positive women of reproductive age.
• Enhanced tracking and re-engagement of treatment defaulters.
• Improved proportion of patients achieving undetectable viral load.
• Sustained adherence for patients on first-line ART beyond 24 months.

Your Qualifications

• Diploma in Psychology and Counselling.
• Experience in adherence counseling within a busy HIV program.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in high-volume CCC clinics.
• Comfortable working in challenging environments; Camp experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Ms-Access.
• Certified in HIV counseling related training.

Join Our Team, Empower Lives

IRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We value merit-based hiring without discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or disability. Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

To excel in this role, demonstrate your expertise in adherence counseling and highlight your experience in supporting vulnerable communities. Emphasize your proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and your certification in HIV counseling. Showcase your adaptability to challenging environments, particularly in camp settings. Align your application with IRC’s core values of Integrity, Service, and Accountability. Be sure to emphasize your commitment to promoting gender equality, as IRC values gender diversity in leadership roles. Apply today and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while contributing to an equal opportunity workplace.

Please note that IRC never requests fees during the recruitment process.