KENPHIA II Home Based Testing Service (HBTS) Counsellor

Overall Job Function

Reporting to their respective Field Team Leads, the HBTS Counsellor will be responsible for conducting home-based testing services in selected households. They will also be responsible for obtaining informed consent, assent and parental/guardian permission from participants before taking part in the survey. Since the survey activities will be implemented in a phased approach across the country, the HBTS Counsellor will also be required to relocate to the respective assigned regions within the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation.
• Study and understand all instructions included in the KENPHIA II Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate with the Field Team Lead on how to carry out the survey and to report daily work done.
• Under the guidance of the Field team lead, visit identified Enumeration Areas (EA) and locate selected households according to KENPHIA II sample design.
• Obtain consent, assent and/or parental/guardian permission from all eligible members of the selected households using KENPHIA II approved forms programmed in a tablet.
• Conduct household and individual interviews by administering KENPHIA II approved questionnaires programmed in a tablet.
• Provide pre- and post-test counselling for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis results to household survey participants. Provide referral and follow up on linkage to prevention, care and treatment and social services to all eligible survey participants.
• Ensure that all assigned interviews and HBTS reports are completed, and that collected data are complete, accurate and consistent.
• Validate and re-validate all information, responses and answers collected through the survey.
• Assure confidentiality of all information provided by survey participants.
• Update the Field Team Lead on completed and partially completed interviews and home-based testing services on a daily basis.
• Schedule and inform Field Team Lead of return visits for any incomplete interview/testing services.
• Be responsible for safety of all fieldwork materials and supplies under his/her custody.
• Accompany the Field Team Lead for community entry meetings.
• Report any protocol deviation to the Field Team Lead or regional linkage to care officers.
• Prepare and hand over summary of all referrals to the respective Regional LTC supervisors as well as support coordination for LTC at facilities.
• Report field incidents and adverse events to the Field Team Lead or Regional linkage to care officers.
• Participate in the survey quality management/quality assurance HBTS activities.
• Participating in survey meetings (virtual or in-person).
• Uphold the principle of ethics throughout the survey.
• Respond to questions or feedback from the survey implementation and data teams.
• To carry out other survey related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• NASCOP HIV Testing Services (HTS) Certificate
• Diploma in Social Science or training in any health-related field
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.

Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in HTS in a Kenyan health facility.
• Experience in Home-based testing and counseling
• Experience in field data collection and/or surveys will be an added advantage

Competencies

• Comfortable using electronic gadgets such as smart phones and tablets
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for the duration of survey period.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes: 

• Friendly and patient.
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Should have strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, social awareness, emotional awareness). 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as ability to multi-task and have problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Good personal work relation with other survey team members, Flexible and proactive.
• Proactive in handling challenging situations