Testing and Personal Support Worker. Mid-West. Irlanda

Supporting people living with HIV, in particular those newly diagnosed and those new to Ireland. Co-ordinating the KnowNow testing service, including ordering of materials, providing tests, and any necessary follow-up work.

PRINCIPAL ROLE: You will be responsible for providing a) personal support to GOSHH clients and service users, and b) co-ordinating the KnowNow rapid testing service.

MAIN DUTIES:

•    Supporting people living with HIV, in particular those newly diagnosed and those new to Ireland.

•    Co-ordinating the KnowNow testing service, including ordering of materials, providing tests, and any necessary follow-up work.

•    Maintaining relationships, referral pathways, and co-operation with staff at the STI Clinic, the Ante-Natal Clinic, as well as other agencies.

•    Manage and supervise the volunteer team. Along with the Community Support Worker organise and facilitate the training programme for KnowNow volunteers.

•    Work closely with the Community Support Worker to organise testing sessions and venues

•    Develop strategies for peer support where appropriate. This could involve supervised meetings between clients, organising peer telephone support, peer testing, as well as inviting clients to meetings in GOSHH.

•    Network with other organisations to co-ordinate prevention initiatives specifically for the target groups.

•    Maintaining confidential client records, compiling statistics, and preparing progress reports as required.

•    Contributing to the promotions and fundraising activities of GOSHH.

•    To fulfil any training or tasks as directed by the Manager.

There may be some requirements to work evenings and weekends for which the post holder is entitled to time off in lieu.

Person Specification

Testing and Personal Support Worker

The successful candidate will have:

•    Relevant professional qualification.

•    Minimum of 12 months’ experience of gender, orientation, sexual health, and HIV support work.

•    A non-judgemental attitude and proven ability of maintaining confidentiality.

•    High level of interpersonal and communication skills.

•    Ability to adopt an inclusive approach which embraces difference and diversity.

•    Excellent organisational and administrational skills.

•    Ability to work as part of a team.

•    Willingness to participate in further training where necessary.

•    Proficient oral and written English.

•    Access to appropriate transport as the post may involve travel.

DETAILS:

•    Salary: €34, 907.60

•    Contract: full time

•    Hours: 35 hours/week, 0900 – 1700, Monday to Friday, with occasional requirements to work evenings and weekends to which the post holder will be entitled to time off in lieu.

•    Holidays: 25 days per annum.

•    Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to Garda Vetting.