Job Summary
The Community Nurse Counselor will provide community-based HIV prevention, screening, testing, counseling, referral, and retention services to people at increased risk of HIV. Based at Community Contact Points, the position focuses on reaching underserved and at-risk populations through targeted outreach and providing HIV, sexually transmitted infection (STI), and hepatitis screening, testing, and referral services.
The successful candidate will link clients to appropriate health facilities, follow up on referrals, and support continued access to care and treatment. The role requires strict adherence to client privacy and confidentiality, national health guidelines, infection prevention and control procedures, and organizational standards. Services beyond initial screening, counseling, testing, and referral will be provided at designated health facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Community Outreach, Demand Creation, and Mobilization
Map hotspots and plan outreach activities to identify and reach underserved and high-risk populations.
Mobilize communities and promote the use of HIV prevention and other relevant health services.
Promote HIV testing, HIV self-testing, condom use, and referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), antiretroviral therapy (ART), STI care, hepatitis services, family planning, and other appropriate health services.
Collaborate with peer educators, community leaders, health facilities, and partner organizations to strengthen referral systems and improve service access.
Support community outreach campaigns and awareness activities aimed at increasing uptake of preventive health services.
- HIV Risk Assessment and Counseling
Assess clients' HIV risk using approved national assessment tools and procedures.
Provide pre-test information and post-test counseling in accordance with national HIV testing guidelines.
Counsel clients on reducing risks associated with unsafe sexual practices, substance use, and alcohol consumption.
Support clients in developing practical and appropriate HIV risk-reduction plans.
Provide condom education and demonstrations, promote correct and consistent condom use, and distribute condoms as appropriate.
- First-Level HIV Screening, Testing, and Referral Services
Provide community-based HIV screening, testing, counseling, and referral services at hotspots and designated Community Contact Points.
Conduct community-based and home-based HIV testing for eligible clients at increased risk, in accordance with approved guidelines.
Perform rapid HIV testing in compliance with the national HIV testing algorithm and applicable quality standards.
Promote and distribute HIV self-testing kits to eligible clients and provide appropriate instructions on their use and follow-up.
Apply targeted, risk-based approaches to identify individuals who may benefit from HIV testing and prevention services.
Screen clients for STI symptoms and refer them to appropriate health facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
Assess hepatitis risk and refer clients for screening, diagnosis, and care as appropriate.
Promote regular HIV testing and other preventive health services among target populations.
Follow infection prevention and control procedures during all screening, testing, and counseling activities.
Protect client privacy, confidentiality, dignity, and rights throughout service delivery.
Plan, monitor, and request the supplies required for screening, testing, counseling, and referral services.
- Referral, Linkage, and Retention Services
Promptly refer clients with reactive or positive HIV screening results for confirmatory testing and, where indicated, ART initiation according to national guidelines.
Refer eligible HIV-negative clients for PrEP and other appropriate HIV prevention services.
Refer clients for tuberculosis (TB), STI, hepatitis, family planning, and other approved health services as needed.
Complete referral documentation accurately and promptly using approved tools and procedures.
Follow up with clients to confirm whether they have accessed referred services and help address barriers to care.
Coordinate with health facilities and partner organizations to strengthen referral, feedback, and follow-up systems.
Confirm ART initiation, PrEP enrollment, and completion of other referrals where applicable and permitted by established procedures.
Provide adherence support, appointment reminders, and follow-up for clients who miss scheduled appointments.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date client contact information, with appropriate consent and confidentiality safeguards, to support continuity of care.
- Commodity Management
Forecast commodity requirements based on service utilization, target populations, and planned activities.
Receive, store, count, and manage medical supplies and other approved commodities appropriately.
Distribute approved commodities using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle where applicable.
Coordinate stock transfers when necessary to prevent shortages, wastage, and expiry.
Monitor stock levels, maintain accurate inventory records, and submit timely supply reports.
Report potential stock shortages, damaged supplies, or expired commodities to the appropriate supervisor.
- Documentation, Reporting, and Quality Improvement
Record all Community Contact Point services using approved tools and systems, including CommCare, UDS forms, testing records, and referral registers.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of outreach, screening, testing, counseling, referrals, linkage, and follow-up activities.
Prepare and submit required service delivery, commodity, and activity reports within established deadlines.
Review referral and linkage outcomes to identify gaps and opportunities for improving service delivery.
Participate in supervision, mentoring, data quality assessments, and continuous quality-improvement activities.
Comply with national guidelines, standard operating procedures, organizational policies, safeguarding standards, and infection prevention requirements.
Ensure that records are stored securely and that sensitive client information is accessed only by authorized personnel.
- Coordination and Other Responsibilities
Coordinate with nearby key-population-friendly clinics and health offices on activity planning, review, and reporting.
Maintain effective working relationships with government offices, public health facilities, community structures, and partner organizations.
Support outreach campaigns, special service events, and other approved community health activities.
Demonstrate professionalism and consistently protect client confidentiality, safety, dignity, and rights.
Perform other related duties assigned by the supervisor in line with the objectives of the position.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education and Professional Certification
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing or training as a Public Health Officer from a recognized institution.
A valid and current professional nursing license, where applicable to the candidate's professional qualification and scope of practice.
Work Experience
Three (3) to five (5) years of clinical experience working with at-risk populations.
Experience working in a MULU Key Population Activity Drop-in Center (DIC) is an advantage.
Experience working in NGO-supported HIV programs or other health-related programs.
Experience working in private clinics or public clinics providing key-population HIV prevention services.
Experience using clinical records and reporting systems, including CommCare and DHIS2.
Required Skills and Competencies
Knowledge of HIV prevention, testing, counseling, referral, and linkage-to-care procedures.
Understanding of STI and hepatitis screening, referral pathways, and other relevant preventive health services.
Ability to conduct risk assessments and provide appropriate health education and counseling.
Strong community outreach, mobilization, and client engagement skills.
Good documentation, data management, reporting, and recordkeeping skills.
Ability to use digital data collection and health information systems, including CommCare and DHIS2.
Good coordination and communication skills when working with clients, community representatives, health facilities, and partner organizations.
Strong commitment to confidentiality, client-centered care, safeguarding, and professional ethics.
Ability to manage supplies, monitor commodity availability, and maintain accurate inventory records.
Ability to work effectively with vulnerable and underserved populations in community-based settings.
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