Drop In Centre (DIC) Counsellor (6 Positions), Mogadishu, Somalia

Organization: South Central Somali PLHIV Network (SCSPN)

Job Position: Drop In Centre (DIC) counsellor

No of positions: 6

Job Locations: Mogadishu, Somalia

Overview

South Central Somalia People Living with HIV Network (SCSPN) is a non-political, non-governmental PLHIV network registered in Mogadishu, Somalia. Headquartered in Mogadishu, with functional offices in Galmudug, South West, Hirshabelle and Jubaland states that coordinates ongoing activities, and has been in existence since 19th, October 2009.

The Network’s main goals are humanitarian support and social welfare of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Other activities include welfare pursuits for “peoples of concern” that are displaced or affected in their homeland (IDPs), the marginalized and the vulnerable (Key populations that are at risk of contracting HIV). SCSPN has partnered with various donor organizations, UN agencies, governmental organizations and CSO entities.

Definition and Objectives of a Drop in Center

The Drop in centre (DIC) as a concept is attracting KVPs and PLHIV to a place which is considered safe and to be used for the facilitation of project related activities that helps PLHIV and KVPs, mainly the prevention of HIV and enhance treatment and care for PLHIV, in a non-threatening, clean and friendly environment.

The DIC is a place within the project area where the KVPs and PLHIV can easily access and seek services as per their specific needs and is a place where the clients feel secure and has in its vicinity a clinic in the same premises where services, especially STI treatment, could be provided.

The DIC is a unique facility that provides key messages in the prevention of HIV and other STIs and needs to have strong and meaningful linkages with other service providers including HCT, legal aid, police department, educational/vocational institutes, ration card providers and other social protection schemes.

A DIC is also able to cater to the felt needs of the KVPs and PLHIV by providing the required information and services directly or by referring them to the referral centres.

Key responsibilities of this position

The Drop in Center Counselor is responsible to provide interpersonal communication and one-on-one counselling to the different audience within the General population, Key Vulnerable population and People living with HIV. The Drop in Center coordinator is primarily a counsellor and has the combined responsibilities as an Outreach Worker and Case Management worker, as well as reporting to immediate supervisor within the PLHIV network and/or National AIDS Commission as applicable.

Terms of reference / roles and responsibilities

• Attend DIC on the assigned days to provide HIV/STD counselling services
• All measure should be taken to maintain standards of consent confidentiality, counselling, provision of correct result and connect to care (5 C’s)
• Work in close collaboration with the project staff to deliver a quality assured testing services
• Where appropriate, different areas of HIV counseling sessions should be conducted, such as pre-test counseling, prevention counseling, basic contraceptive counseling, adherence counseling, personal crisis counseling, HIV negative test counseling, HIV positive test counseling, HIV invalid test counseling, PMTCT counseling, breast feeding counseling, discordant and concordant couple counseling, etc.
• Maintain data recording and reporting registers and forms
• Attend training, meetings and workshops organized by the responsible organization to update understanding and skills for providing services to clients
• Difficult clients should be referred to a senior counsellor, psychologists or psychiatrists.

Administration 

• Use the Prevention & Care Self-Study Reference Manual as a reference to responding to client questions
• Use the forms provided and complete them after delivering client services.
• Collect client data after every contact and ensure that records are added to the client file for review by the supervisor.
• Conduct weekly calls/meetings with the immediate Supervisor.

Liaison 

• Conduct service delivery directory by select local HIV counselling and testing clinics and hospital/health centres including syndromic management of STIs, GBV survivor centres, TB centres, legal aid providers, as well as social protection schemes and work cooperatively with the team at these sites.

Contribute to an enabling work environment 

• Ensure the Drop in centre work is free from bullying, harassment and all forms of discrimination.
• Ensure that the Drop in centre is welcoming to all clients including marginalized people, people living with HIV, and all key risk populations.
• Help to eliminate social and service barriers for clients.

Organizational responsibilities 

• Read and utilize the HIV service provision policies and procedures when representing the organization/network/NAC in service delivery.
• Actively participate in team meetings and team building exercises conducted by the team.
• Actively participate in individual annual performance reviews conducted by the team.
• Engage in professional development to build your skills.

Selection Criteria 

• University education (Bachelor’s degree) in a health related field. i.e. nursing, clinical psychology or public health
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to upholding the rights and health of people in key vulnerable populations.
• Outgoing & open-minded personality with excellent social and interpersonal communication skills.
• Some interpersonal communication skills with a creative approach are an added advantage.
• Personal and/or professional experience related to basic counselling.
• Deep understanding about HIV, preferably living with HIV.
• Ability to work independently but cooperatively with others in a team.
• Be highly organized committed and well-motivated
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, compassion for others and honesty.
• Experience in counselling clients and referral to relevant services.
• Ability to collect and record data.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Be highly organized with the ability to meet deadlines and organizational expectations on time and without prompting.
• Ability to communicate cooperatively and diplomatically with people at all levels.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in the above position, please send your CV and application letter addressed to scspnet1@gmaiil.com before May 14, 2024. In the subject line, indicate the position you’re applying for.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.