HTS Index Testing and Linkage Specialist

Georgetown University   (East Region)

Posted : 24 June, 2021

Category : Public Health   Location : East Region

Job type : Full Time

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT 

Position:                       HTS, Index Testing and Linkage Specialist, TIDE Program Cameroon

Reports to:                   Integrated Service Delivery Improvement Team Leader

Number of positions:     01

Location of work:          East Region, Cameroon

Position Summary:       The HTS, Index Testing and Linkage Specialist will support all facilities within the region to improve data to care interventions to improve HIV population health outcomes. The Specialist will lead initiatives to ensure patient support systems from HIV diagnosis, treatment initiation and retention in care are effective, efficient and result in the optimal patient health outcomes. The specialist will support development of care management models that enhance delivery of HIV and related services and ensure long term retention in care of PLHIV including optimal care   outcomes. This position will have a focus to HIV testing services (HTS) and Index case testing (ICT) and will develop innovative strategies to ensure HTS and ICT services are scaled up to all supported facilities.

About CGHPI

The Georgetown University Centre for Global Health Practice and Impact (CGHPI) serves countries to improve their population health and wellbeing and to safeguard against health-related threats by advancing the use of evidence and human centered enterprise architecture on the path towards achieving equity and social justice. To achieve this mission we catalyze the uptake, spread and implementation of innovations; triangulate data from different sources , and tailor  visualization of the information for each audience; design and implement integrated service delivery models; support communities of practice to inform policy and practice through efficient data use and horizontal and vertical collaboration; disseminate best practice s and  evidence globally through open source learning networks; build global, collaborative, multidisciplinary, and interprofessional networks, undertake research that is informed by local needs; and invest in local leadership to own, provide  oversight and sustain implemented interventions. Georgetown University, through CGHPI, has recently received an award from US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) through funding from the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to support HIV response efforts in Cameroon for achievement of HIV epidemic control to implement a program titled Translating Data and Evidence into Impact.

Essential functions

·       Provide technical guidance and support for optimizing case identification models with focus to Index case testing

·       Support different facilities and communities in the implementation of optimal strategies for improving case identification

·       Work closely with site program implementation teams to guide, support and oversee all aspects of case identification to ensure provision of high quality and cost-effective   services across the health care system and in the communities

·       Participate in developing and implementing innovative case identification strategies including implementation of Differentiated Service Delivery Models for HTS services

·       Work closely with the clinical care, and community care teams to guide and support all aspects of care management functions from HIV testing, linkage to care, treatment preparedness, long term engagement in care, care coordination including navigation to ensure provision of high quality and cost-effective services across the health systems and community

·       Consistent with overall program goals, the position holder will ensure that front HIV service providers and staff are trained, mentored and coached to enhance the quality and patient experience of care while eliminating unnecessary inconveniences to the patients   as they navigate between community and facility health care systems

·       Provide technical assistance for the implementation of the linkage standard operating procedures in each of the regions

·       Participate in program integrated data review sessions and support development of care improvement plans informed by evidence

·       Build capacity for case managers/care navigation teams including collaborating community-based organizations

·       Support treatment preparation and adherence counseling interventions to improve early retention to treatment

·       Work with care support teams to enhance individualized care interventions of PLWH and their broader networks

·       Develop and support implementation of optimal care coordination through effective communication and collaboration with internal and external customers to achieve quality patient outcomes

·       Provide technical support to program teams to create   a patient-centered care plan that addresses problems/barriers and develops action plan relevant to obstacles in chronic condition management for specific sub populations informed by data and evidence

Qualifications and Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or social work with HIV program implementation competence

·       At least 5 years of experience supporting HIV care continuity interventions under PEPFAR supported programs

·       Experience in direct patient case management and care coordination initiatives

·       Excellent writing, communication and training skills

·       Competence in development of training materials and delivery of training and mentorship for health care and auxiliary staff

·       Experience in quality improvement initiatives implementation and use of program evidence to improve programming within facilities and at community level

·       Experience implementing Differentiated Service Delivery Models for PLHIV

·       Excellent communication skills

Instructions for Submitting Applications

1. All applications should be submitted electronically to TIDECameroon@georgetown.edu

2.     Please mention in the subject line of the email the position for which you are applying

3.     Applications should include 3 references that are familiar with applicant’s work experience preferably in the last 2-5 years. References should include contact information including daytime phone and e-mail address

4.     All applications should include a cover letter that details one’s suitability for the job highlighting key functional areas, expected qualifications and experiences

5.     Candidates should attach a 3-page CV/Resume that highlights one’s key achievements in areas relevant to the job

6.     Job related stated qualifications and experience are the basic minimum requirements that each applicant must meet to be considered for interviewing

7.     All applicants should include daytime phone contact information

8.     Deadline for application is Sunday, July 4^th, 2021, 5 PM Cameroon Time. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered

Georgetown University Center for Global Health Practice and Impact through its local entity Georgetown Global Health Cameroon is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of gender, ethnicity or any other status variable.

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