HIV Tester/Counselor

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica is seeking qualified and competent applicants for the position of HIV-Tester Councilor at its St. Ann Medical Centre. A Practical Nurse with VCT training is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and follows AHF’s operating policies and procedures.
• Locates new venues and conducts HIV testing and counseling.
• Elicits from clients HIV risk history including, but not limited to, demographic information, sex history, drug and alcohol use, and past STD infections.
• Administers oral or finger-stick tests to detect HIV antibodies.
• Collects and processes specimen samples in accordance with National, State, and Local guidelines.
• Provides health education and individual risk reduction counseling sessions.
• Promotes healthy sexual behaviors and praises risk reduction plans adopted by clients.
• Conducts test-result disclosure and post disclosure counseling as needed and required.
• Offer clients local community and medical referrals as needed.
• Documents all required information for reporting purposes.
• Ensures timely patient care and efficient and smooth patient flow in the clinic.
• Ensures registration of all patients accessing care at the facility and ensures the development and maintenance of all patient related medical records.
• Ensures the efficient maintenance of the registration and patient waiting areas including the availability of education materials and other supplies required to ensure that the patient is as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
• Assists with the inventory management of all items required for patient care and report to the Nurse Supervisor of any defective equipment or low stock.
• Prepares all relevant reports as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Interested applicants for the position of HIV Tester/Counselor should preferably be a Practical Nurse and possess at minimum:

• A degree/certification from an accredited School of Nursing
• Previous experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), preferably in a doctor’s office or private clinic.
• Excellent knowledge in use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) software applications
• Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) certification would be an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Acceptance of the philosophy and goals of this company.
• Knowledge on key population specificities and vulnerabilities.
• Respect for patient’s confidentiality and having a compassionate approach to their needs is required.

We welcome all applications, however; please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.