Job Description for Viral Load Champions
Job Title: CBO based Laboratory technician


Department: Prevention
Project: ACCESS

Location:
Abia, State, Nigeria.


Reports to:

CBO ART Nurse and Program Manager


Organizational Background:

Sisters Against HIV and Cancer Initiative (SACHI) is a KP led community based organization that promotes and create an enabling environment, which supports Health and well-being of communities we serve. We have worked consistently with Key Populations, Women, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, adolescent young girls, Youths, stakeholders and General Populations in Delta and Abia State with evidence of successes through community health and awareness education, referrals, linkages for uptake of health care and support services and entrenchment of peaceful value.

SACHI is implementing the CDC funded ACCESS Project, and therefore seeks experts, personnel and community members to support in the programme implementation

Project Background:

The Accelerated Control of HIV Epidemic and Sustainability Solution (ACCESS) project is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program to be implemented in Abia, Enugu and Imo States. It is a 5-year program (October, 2022 to September, 2027) to be implemented by Caritas Nigeria in partnership with; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Vantage Technology and African Disease Prevention and Research Development Initiative (ADRAP) as the sole Implementing Partner in these states.

Purpose of Position

Under the supervision of the Caritas Nigeria State Team the Laboratory technician will primarily work with the designated CBO’s Clinician, ART Nurse and Adherence Focal Persons to ensure all patients due to receive a viral load are identified before due date, notified, scheduled and receive a viral load test. S/he will follow up on VL results received and ensure they are documented in the patient folder. S/he will provide other services like Recency, AHD diagnosis


Criteria for Qualification as a Laboratory Technician

Minimum of Laboratory Technician certificate from MLSCN with current license to practice as a laboratory technician.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion. Committing to a course of action without undue delay or prevarication
Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
Moderate level proficiency with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Persons living with HIV who meet the above criteria are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Develop an effective relationship through clear communication and building trust with patients in the CBOs.
Identify patients eligible for a viral load (VL) test via a line list of eligible patients generated monthly in collaboration with the M & E and Health Informatics unit as shared by your facility tier manger.
Draw up weekly list of patients for VL test expected at the facility irrespective of appointment dates.
Call out to patients (phone calls) to remind them of a VL test
Ensure list of expected patients is domiciled on clinic days at every point within the CBO to ensure patient is identified, notified and directed to the Lab for sample collection. Alternatively, you can pull their folders a day before and file a blank lab form in them as a 2nd step reminder
Liaison with all POS within the CBO to ensure all clients eligible for VL draw are identified and are linked to the lab.
Ensure that a the VL requisition form completely filled before blood draw.
Ensure that blood is drawn for VL test for all those who present at the laboratory.
Make a list of patients who missed the scheduled appointment to reschedule for the VL draw and share with the VL champion.
Follow up on the patients that will be eligible for repeat VL after EAC and ensure that blood is drawn and shipped to the reference laboratory
Provides weekly and monthly updates and reports of VL activity using prescribed templates for laboratory
Notifies appropriate authorities of VL commodity shortage or stock out.
Ensure that all new patients identified and eligible are offered recency and AHD testing.


Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed resume and a one-page cover letter as one (1) MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to Human Resources Unit through this email address: sachi988p@gmail.com indicating the position and the location you are applying for as the subject of the email.

Eligible female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. SACHI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date:
The Vacancy closes 11:59pm on Monday 22, 2024