Peer Navigator

Position Summary

ICAP at Columbia University’s Targeted Programmatic Support Across Countries under the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria under PEPFAR (PSA) is a program that provides technical assistance (TA) and capacity-building support to the Department of Health, in collaboration with key stakeholders and local partners in Central Visayas (VII) and Western Visayas (VI) Regions of the Philippines.

Under the supervision of the Regional Prevention, Care and Treatment Officer, S/he will provide HIV services for key populations to include prevention messages, risk assessment, motivating clients for HIV testing and other support services while maintaining compliance with confidentiality regulations. The peer navigator will work with clients to support their health and wellbeing, acting as a liaison between clients and their care providers and taking a peer-to-peer approach. (S)he is primarily responsible for the provision of tailored support and relevant information to help clients overcome barriers that may prevent engagement, retention, or re-engagement in treatment. This position may require frequent travel in the identified project areas.

Responsibilities

• Offer individualized client-centered support for PLHIV who are newly diagnosed, re-engaging in care or have complex needs, in high HIV caseload clinics and community settings.
• Provide tailored post-test counseling and support to our clients.
• Refer and help clients access and enroll in clinical, diagnostic, psychosocial, and other support services.
• Support treatment readiness, treatment adherence, retention in care and improved individual health outcomes for all PLHIV in the project.
• Support clinic health care workers with monitoring adherence, clinic attendance, retention and identification of possible defaulters.
• Facilitate support and education groups addressing basic but important HIV topics (how and when to disclose, how best to adhere, understanding your lab results, ,,,)
• Provide prevention and navigation services for key populations (MSM, TGW,YKP PWUD, PWID) and other medical needs.
• Accompanying clients to appointments and assisting with scheduling for such services.
• Ensure all required documentation is in place with navigation and service processes while maintaining strict client confidentiality and privacy..
• Work flexible hours, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent
• If PWID/PWUD, recovery for drug use disorder for at least one year.
• Knowledge of substance use/misuse issues and HIV/HCV services and treatment
• Knowledge in peer support, social work, counselling or similar, gained through experience, training or education;
• An understanding of and sensitivity to HIV related stigma.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to multi-task.
• Strong organizational, administrative and planning skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and react effectively to urgent situations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet program guidelines with respect to required reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Filipino national
• Fluent in Filipino, and either Cebuano or Ilonggo
• Be creative and flexible.

Travel Requirements:

• Domestic travels to project sites as needed.