Medical Teams International (MTI), a faith-based non-profit organization, is seeking a qualified Counselor to join their team in Kampala, Uganda. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating professional and peer counseling services, as well as organizing community outreach and sensitization activities. MTI has operations in West Nile and South Western Uganda, providing comprehensive primary health care, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition services.
The Counselor will play a crucial role in planning and delivering counseling services, including individual and group counseling related to HIV, SGBV, nutrition, and other areas. They will also participate in ART Clinic activities, such as linkage, enrollment of HIV clients to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), follow-up of clients, sample collection, data entry, and reporting. Additionally, the Counselor will participate in conducting differentiated service delivery models, including CDDP, CCLAD, and outreaches.
The ideal candidate should have a Certificate in Nursing/midwifery or Diploma in Guidance and Counseling, Social Works & Social Administration, Social Sciences, or a related qualification. Additional training in HIV counseling is an added advantage. The Counselor should have at least 2 years of experience providing counseling in a health service setting, with experience in HIV counseling, ART care, treatment, and support service delivery being highly desirable.
The Counselor will be expected to utilize Peer Educators to assist in home visits, community outreach, and peer counseling activities. They will also recruit, manage, and appraise counseling volunteers, known as 'expert clients', and provide development and training opportunities. The Counselor will support data collection, maintain patient records, and report on their activities.
MTI emphasizes the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to professional guidelines and the MTI Code of Conduct. The Counselor will be required to conduct home visits to current clients and referrals, where relevant, and refer patients to other specialists for further assistance when necessary.
The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships that make clients feel supported. They will be skilled in applying counseling principles to improve the psychosocial well-being of clients and in using behavior change strategies to motivate clients to adhere to HIV treatment plans.
Interested applicants should apply online through the Ugandan Jobline website. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The position offers a range of opportunities for professional growth and development, including mentorship and capacity-building opportunities.
Key points
- The position requires a Certificate in Nursing/midwifery or Diploma in Guidance and Counseling.
- The Counselor will participate in ART Clinic activities, including linkage and enrollment of HIV clients to anti-retroviral therapy.
- The successful candidate will have at least 2 years of experience providing counseling in a health service setting.
