Job Description

Description:
The Lay Counsellor will deliver the adapted Problem Management Plus (PM+) intervention, providing evidence-based supportive counselling sessions (up to 7 sessions per person) to a caseload of approximately 25 adolescents living with HIV enrolled in the study. This role requires strict adherence to the intervention manual, focusing on teaching basic problem-solving and coping strategies for various psychosocial stressors, such as ART adherence challenges, managing stigma, and daily life conflicts. Operating under close supervision from the Therapy Supervisor and Trial Team, the counsellor must accurately manage data, link participants to necessary services, and maintain strict confidentiality and cultural sensitivity. Based at AHRI Somkhele, Mtubatuba, the position requires local travel within the uMkhanyakude district and flexible working hours to effectively meet participant needs and study protocol.
Overview of Duties:

• Deliver structured counselling sessions as trained and guided by the intervention manual.
• Provide empathetic listening and supportive communication.
• Encourage participant well-being, coping strategies, and engagement in care.
• Maintain regular contact with participants to ensure continued involvement in the program.
• Assist with appointment reminders and follow-up visits where needed.
• Accurately complete counselling session forms, attendance logs, and progress notes.
• Maintain secure and confidential storage of participant information.
• Always adhere to the counselling manual and supervision guidance.
• Participate in observation, feedback, and role-play sessions to strengthen counselling skills.
• Data collection and entry will be facilitated using paper-based forms and electronic tablets, and with support from the AHRI Research Platform team (Assist with minor data collection tasks when required).
• Report any challenges, concerns, or deviations to the Therapy Supervisor promptly.
• Uphold ethical guidelines, confidentiality, and respect for participants.
• Immediately report any participant safeguarding concerns to the Therapy Supervisor.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with local health facilities and community members.
• Represent the program professionally and respectfully in the community.
• Reporting adverse, serious adverse events and social harms that may occur.

Minimum Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12
• Driver's license

Minimum Experience

• At least 3 years' experience in research, data collection processes and community engagement activities.
• Basic training or experience in counselling, peer support, community health work, or similar roles

Skills Required

• Good verbal and written communication skills (Fluency in isiZulu and/or English). Including the Ability to build trust.
• Sound knowledge in behavioral intervention/counselling.
• Comfort and experience working with HIV positive individuals.
• Accuracy and precision
• Willingness to learn, participate in supervision, and follow program guidance.
• High computer literacy
• Report writing
• Must be able to work under pressure

Worker Type: Employee
The application closing date: 9 Dec 2025
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

Skills Required