Health Assistant

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Job Description

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development - bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala. The IRC will be moving into additional/new locations in refugee settlements in Kiryandongo and Zombo.

The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition program in West Nile and Acholi focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements. Similar services will be extended to the new locations starting January 2020.

Job Overview: Under the supervision of the Health Project Officer, The Health Assistant will support the implementation of the project aimed at contributing to polio eradication by enhancing surveillance for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) among the communities residing close to the South Sudan/Uganda border and in the refugee settlements in Lamwo district. S/HE will directly implement the community AFP surveillance program in the district and will work in close collaboration with the District Health team (DHT) and other stakeholders. S/HE will provide on-the-job coaching and mentoring of health facility staffs especially in strengthening AFP case surveillance, detection, and reporting. The Health Assistant will contribute to assessing staff capacity needs regarding AFP surveillance and reporting at health Centre level and coordinate all planned project trainings; and ensure that review meetings are held on time. Will also support health workers in compiling reports to the DHT. S/HE will contribute to the provision of strategic and technical oversight of the project and to ensure the successful implementation of a quality project. the Health Unit and community. He/she will be expected to work within the heath facility, health posts and community in the IRC.

Duties and Responsibilities: •Support client follow-up for defaulting of childhood immunizations •Supervision and mentorships of VHTs within the catchment area •Keep key informants engaged and motivated •Support district to effectively conduct Community awareness creation on and vigilance for AFP and health promotion activities both at health facility level and community •Coordinate and conduct VHT weekly or monthly meetings and other activities with district health team, and other stakeholders to avoid duplication of services •Collect and compile monthly reports from supported HFs and any activity reports or updates. •Collaborate with other LG Health staff in conducting active case search for AFP at the health facilities and in the community. •Participate in and or support the process of AFP case detection, investigation, and reporting. Maintain regular contact with the district health team on all matters pertaining to the project •Provide regular feedback to the Health Project Officer on project implementation •Represent IRC at relevant related health partnership and coordination meetings •Assist in preparation of donor reports. •Participate in the development of project work plans and reviewing them monthly with the DHT and Health Project Officer. •Implement Community Based Environmental Health Activities •Enforce Environmental Health Act, Regulations and By-laws •Carry out other relevant duties as may be required or assigned by your supervisor

Qualifications

•Must have a Certificate in Environmental Health Science or its equivalent from a recognized institution. •Must be registered and licensed with the Allied Health Professionals Council. •At least three years’ experience working with community structures and district health systems •Experience working in a multidisplinary team and training in VPD surveillance or IDSR is an added advantage •Computer literacy especially in MS office packages is a MUST •Proficiency in off-road riding with a valid class A license •Plans allocation of staff, funds, and facilities to deliver on expected outputs. •Able to define and attain targets within set timeframes •Able to appreciate and support change initiatives. •Enforcement of procedures that promote quality and standard •health service delivery •Communicates effectively by giving clear, concise, and accurate •information; and •Results oriented with ability to assist the unit achieve its overall •objectives. •A good command of the English language •Ability to maintain the highest degree of discretion and confidentiality. •Must be detail-oriented and able to work independently with minimal supervision. •Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills. •Honest, reliable, and trustworthy. •Willing to adhere to and implement the IRC rules. •Good inter-personal interpersonal.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: rescue.org