Community Health Worker at TB HIV Care

Purpose of the position

• The purpose of the Community Health Worker is to conduct community, household and individual health assessments and identify individual health needs and risks (actual and potential).  The incumbent will assist the family or an individual to seek the appropriate health service and promote the health of the households, the individuals within these households as well as at ECD centres, schools, workplaces, old age homes and farms.
• He/she will refer individuals for further assessment and testing after performing simple basic screening.  The CHW will provide limited, simple health interventions in a household.  Provide psycho-social support and manage interventions such as treatment defaulter tracing and adherence support.

Minimum Requirements    

• Grade 12 
• Home Based Care Certificate
• Experience in handling patients with HIV
• Basic knowledge of TB & HIV 
• Must be resident in the area and have good knowledge of the geographical area

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Assist the patient with personal hygiene, this would include washing of the body and hair, shaving of male patients, cutting of finger and toenails, mouth care
• Perform wound care using appropriate material
• Provide stoma therapy, catheter care, nail and foot care, tracheotomy care
• Educate patient and relatives about caring for the patient at home and the resources available
• Refer patients to health facilities and service providers where necessary
• Report the deterioration of patients’ conditions to the supervisor
• Identify and register households
• Help patient(s) to understand the purpose of the visit and gain cooperation

Skills and Competencies    

• Willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Willingness to work in the community