Peer Navigators

Overall Objective of Peer Programme

JASL’s Peer Programme is a component of its broader Behaviour Change programme. It engages members from the key populations of Sex Workers (SW), Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), Transgenders (TG) and persons living with HIV (PLHIV). These members assist their peers to adopt healthier behaviours to reduce risk and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and improve their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes.

 Summary Of Duties

 A Peer Navigator is a friend, sounding board, health educator, facilitator for health care, guide, coach, advocate, case-finder, and community resource. Peer navigators support the treatment, care and support programme, linking client to care and support efforts to retain them in care.

Qualifications

• Five (5) CXC/O’Levels or equivalent years of experience

Experience

• Must have two (2) years experience in programme management for marginalized populations or comparable experience.
• One year experience working among the targeted communities.

Specific Duties

• Meets regularly (depending on the needs of the individual) with the client to help connect them to treatment services
• Build skills to help target population overcome barriers and obtain needed access to health care.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of health services and be able to match participants with other social services they need.
• Refers and accompanies clients to JASL clinic (especially for first visit)
• Assist the client in getting prescription filled
• Work to build contacts and stay on top of changes in services organisations
• Act as a Counsellor during enrolment and follow-up visits
• Ensures that the client manages and meets his/her appointments
• Keep in touch with clients to monitor and track progress
• Coordinate weekly Peer Links’ meetings.
• Coordinate regular training sessions with the support of the Targeted Interventions Officer.
• Review and sign off on Peer Links work schedule.
• Collate weekly Peer Links work schedule for submission to the Targeted Interventions Officer
• Attend selected Peer Links interventions for training, monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Attends weekly/monthly meetings such as Team Briefings, staff support groups, outreach meetings etc.
• Identify, reach and mobilise members of the target populations for testing.
• Performs other programmes-related duties as assigned.

Deliverables

• Prepare and submit weekly work schedule to the Targeted Interventions Officer.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to Targeted Interventions Officer and Case Manager.
• Supervise interventions of  Peer Links.
• Find new sites for targeted interventions.
• Assist with Database

Note: The specific duties listed above are intended to describe the normal duties of this job. These duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.

Key Competencies

• Excellent networking skills (Have a far reach into the targeted communities)
• Confidential, open-minded, dependable and non-judgmental

• Communication skills – Oral and Written, along with group facilitation and counselling skills.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short and long-range goals.
• Ability to coordinate and implement multiple projects and events.
• Ability to handle high volumes of activity in a timely, professional and efficient manner.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Ability to work professionally and cooperate with team members and representatives of other agencies
• Report writing skills using MS Word and Excel.
• Able to work on own initiative with minimum supervision.
• Good work ethic
• Flexibility (including some Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) and adaptability.

Note

Be available to work weekends, late nights and public holidays when necessary.

Location(s): Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios

Reports to: Targeted Interventions Officer and Case Manager

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

The Executive Director
Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL)

3 Hendon Drive, 
Kingston 20
Jamaica

Email: infojasl2010@gmail.com

Base Salary: Undisclosed