Treatment Buddy

Job description

Name of Position: Treatment Buddy

Contract type: Short term Contract (renewable based on performance)

Duration: 6 months

Job Location: Choma District, Southern Province, Zambia

About Avencion: We are a Zambian-owned social impact enterprise that delivers innovative and technology-enabled development solutions to strengthen governments, companies, organizations, and communities.

Program Summary:

Together in Treatment is an innovative, community-centered HIV retention initiative developed by Avencion Limited. The project focuses on reducing interruptions in Treatment for antiretroviral therapy (ART) Clients and improving treatment adherence, viral load coverage, and overall health outcomes among Recipients of Care at a health facility in Choma district. By deploying a dedicated team of Treatment Buddies, the program utilizes digital tracking, GIS mapping, and personalized follow-up strategies to re-engage clients who have missed appointments or discontinued treatment. Treatment Buddies are vital members of the team who will provide pre-appointment reminders, conduct home visits, and offer one-on-one counseling to ensure clients are supported throughout their treatment journey. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the frontline of community health, directly influencing improved care, reduced HIV transmission, and sustainable positive change in the community.

Main purpose of the Job:

The Treatment Buddy will support recipients of Care in adhering to their treatment, attending scheduled appointments, and improving overall health outcomes. They will serve as a peer supporter, on the Avencion buddy system, offering psychosocial support, motivation, and follow-up within the community, while also engaging in broader community mobilization and health promotion activities.

Key Responsibilities

Provide pre-appointment reminders and conduct follow-ups for clients who miss appointments or experience treatment interruptions, using phone calls, SMS, home visits, and digital tools to support consistent engagement in care.
Utilize the Avencion Client Tracking System (ACTS), GIS mapping tools, and SmartCare to monitor appointment schedules, update locator data, and maintain accurate client records in both digital systems and physical registers.
Provide one-on-one counseling and tailored support to reinforce ART adherence, deliver HIV-related health education, and address barriers such as stigma, misinformation, and treatment disruptions.
Collaborate with the program coordinator, M&E, facility staff and community partners to ensure coordinated follow-up efforts, while actively participating in trainings and team meetings to improve client engagement strategies.
Accurately document and report client follow-up outcomes while providing regular feedback to support the ongoing evaluation and improvement of community tracking processes and digital tools.

Qualifications/Experience

Applicants must have at least a Grade 12 school certificate or a tertiary certificate/diploma in a social science (e.g., social work), with additional training in psychosocial counselling, or any health‑related field considered an advantage.
Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and basic computer literacy with a willingness to learn digital tracking systems like ACTS and GIS mapping tools.
Ideal candidates will be compassionate, empathetic, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively to support community health outcomes.
Willingness to undergo training on ART, confidentiality, digital tracking, and community engagement, along with flexibility to work in varied community settings, is essential.
Note: This Scope of Work is subject to periodic review and may be updated based on the evolving needs of the project.

Apply using this link: Treatment Buddy Application Form