The Aurum Institute: TB Support Officer in Durban

Recruiter/Employer: The Aurum Institute

The Aurum Institute is a leading healthcare organization with a mission to improve the health of individuals and communities through innovative and sustainable solutions. With a strong focus on research, training, and service delivery, we strive to address health challenges and contribute to the well-being of populations. Headquartered in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on public health, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).

Key Highlights:

1. Mission and Values: At the core of The Aurum Institute’s mission is the dedication to improving health outcomes through a combination of research, training, and service delivery. We are driven by a set of values that prioritize excellence, innovation, and a commitment to positively influencing public health.
2. Innovative Solutions: The Aurum Institute is recognized for its innovative approaches to tackling healthcare challenges. We leverage cutting-edge research and technology to develop and implement solutions that have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
3. TB Focus: Our organization places a significant focus on tuberculosis prevention and care. TB remains a critical public health concern globally, and The Aurum Institute plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge through various initiatives, including outreach services, community education, and patient support.
4. Training and Professional Development: As part of our commitment to excellence, The Aurum Institute provides ongoing training and professional development opportunities for its staff. This ensures that our team remains equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality healthcare services.
5. Community Engagement: We actively engage with communities to understand their needs and tailor our programs to address specific health challenges. Community outreach services, home visits, and education form integral parts of our approach to healthcare.

Job Positions at The Aurum Institute: TB Support Officer

The TB Support Officer role at The Aurum Institute is a crucial position contributing directly to the organization’s mission. This part-time position involves providing outreach services from the site to the community, conducting home visits, and implementing symptomatic screening for households. Additionally, the TB Support Officer plays a key role in patient management, contact tracing, and recall of lost patients, contributing significantly to the prevention and care of tuberculosis.

Job Positions/Locations/Ref Numbers: TB Support Officer

Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Job Type: Part-time
Ref Number: AUR-TBSO-2023

The TB Support Officer plays a critical role in public health, particularly in the context of tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care. This profession involves a range of responsibilities aimed at identifying, supporting, and managing individuals who may be affected by TB. The role is multifaceted, requiring a combination of healthcare knowledge, community outreach skills, and the ability to provide support to individuals and families affected by TB. Below is an in-depth explanation of the key aspects of the TB Support Officer profession:

1. Outreach and Community Services:

• TB Support Officers are responsible for providing outreach services from healthcare facilities to communities. This involves conducting home visits and implementing symptomatic screening for households to identify individuals who may be TB-symptomatic but not currently in medical care.

2. Patient Management and Care:

• Identifying individuals who are TB-symptomatic but not in TB medical care is a crucial aspect of the role. TB Support Officers work to link patients to treatment and care, ensuring that they receive the necessary medical attention and support.

3. Contact Management and Patient Recalls:

• TB Support Officers engage in contact management of TB patients, which includes tracing lost-to-follow-up patients and recalling patients who may have missed appointments. This proactive approach is vital in maintaining continuity of care and preventing the spread of TB.

4. Health Education and Counseling:

• Providing accurate information to patients about TB is a fundamental responsibility. TB Support Officers educate individuals about the transmission of TB, the benefits and challenges of TB care and treatment, and the available services and resources. They also offer counseling to address concerns and provide emotional support.

5. Support for Patient Engagement:

• Collaborating with case managers and clinical staff, TB Support Officers support patients in the early stages of their care. This involves helping patients enroll or re-engage in medical care, providing personalized assistance, and building confidence in their participation in TB treatment.

6. Holistic Patient Support:

• TB Support Officers work with case managers to address broader aspects of patients’ lives that may impact their health. This includes identifying and connecting patients with services related to mental health, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence support, housing programs, education, and employment.

7. Data Management and Reporting:

• TB Support Officers are responsible for compiling and capturing daily, weekly, and monthly statistics related to their activities. Compliance with program protocols, including confidentiality of patient information, is essential for maintaining the integrity of healthcare data.

8. Language and Cultural Competence:

• Fluency in local languages is often a requirement for TB Support Officers, as they interact with diverse communities. Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for effective communication and building trust with patients.

9. Practical Skills and Certification:

• TB Support Officers may be required to operate mobile devices for data recording and communication. Additionally, certification as a Community Health Care Worker is often advantageous for individuals in this profession.

10. Commitment and Flexibility:

• Given the nature of the work, TB Support Officers should be willing to work overtime and demonstrate commitment to the well-being of patients and communities.

Benefits:

As a TB Support Officer at The Aurum Institute, you will enjoy the following benefits:

1. Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with your skills and experience.
2. Professional Development: Join a dynamic team and enhance your skills through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
3. Contribution to Public Health: Be part of a meaningful and impactful initiative aimed at improving TB care and prevention in communities.
4. Flexible Working Hours: This part-time position allows for flexibility in your work schedule to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the TB Support Officer position, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• High School diploma/Gr 12 (NQF Level 4)
• Certification as a Community Health care worker (Advantageous)
• Experience in health promotion and health education
• Ability to operate a mobile device
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good counseling skills
• Valid code A Driver’s license
• Valid Professional Drivers Permit (PDP)
• Understanding of specimen handling and transportation
• Fluency in local languages (Zulu, Setswana, English, SeSotho, Xhosa, Afrikaans)
• Practical experience with Road Legislation
• South African Citizen or valid work permit to work in South Africa
• Willingness to work overtime

Requirements:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

1. Technical Work Responsibilities:
   • Identify and refer individuals who are TB-symptomatic but not in TB medical care.
   • Link patients to Treatment and Care.
   • Trace Lost to Follow Up Patients and Client/Patient Recalls.
   • Contact Management of Index Patients.
   • Provide education, information, counseling, and prevention services.
2. Data Management:
   • Compile and capture daily, weekly, and monthly stats.
   • Comply with all program protocols, including patient information confidentiality.
3. Communication and Support:
   • Build trust and confidence with patients.
   • Provide accurate information about TB and available services.
   • Assist patients in enrolling or re-engaging in medical care.
   • Co-facilitate support groups and create patient linkage to psychosocial support.
4. Other Responsibilities:
   • Work collaboratively with case managers and clinical staff.
   • Address other aspects of patients’ lives affecting their health, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, domestic violence services, housing programs, education, and employment.
   • Perform other duties as assigned or requested by the line manager.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates meeting the eligibility criteria are invited to submit their applications, including a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Please provide current and relevant references for background checks.

Closing Date: 13 December 2023

All appointments are subject to the preferred candidates obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking, and competency assessment. We embrace employment equity and are committed to the achievement of fair and equal representation of our workforce. Preference will be given to internal applicants and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Official Contact:

For inquiries or to submit your application, please contact us at:

Email: hr@auruminstitute.com
Phone: +27 123 456 789
Address: The Aurum Institute, 123 Health Avenue, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Official Website: www.auruminstitute.com