Study Navigator

Background

The PCC study team is currently implementing, the Sequential Strategies to Reach and Reengage Individuals after Lapses from HIV Care in Zambia (Bwelela Easy) Study, a randomized control trial.

The Bwelela Easy study aims to determine the comparative effectiveness of six adaptive, sequential strategies for reengaging people living with HIV (PLWH) who have experienced treatment lapses, compared to the standard of care, in order to promote both timely returns to care and sustained long-term engagement in public ART clinics in Zambia. The study will be implemented in Lusaka province in four (4) selected clinics.

Job Summary

The Navigator will lead participant outreach and navigation services for clients with care lapses, following the study protocol and follow-up procedures. The Navigator will support re-entry to care, coordinates care logistics, provide a welcoming reception after return, provide emotional support and counseling, facilitate transfers, and documents all contacts and outcomes. The Navigators will also support recruitment, consenting, enrollment and collection of high quality data in line with study protocol procedures.

Main Duties

1. Contacting clients phone contact as per study procedures.
2. Conduct in-person tracing for clients not reached by phone, using locator information and approved tracing processes.
3. Maintain confidentiality during phone calls and community tracing.
4. Establish rapport and trust with clients after contact.
5. Identify barriers to return and retention and agree a plan with the client.
6. Provide logistical support for re-entry, including clinic liaison and support with clinic processes.
7. Provide emotional support and counseling within training and supervision structures.
8. Facilitate transfers when needed and document outcomes.
9. Support community-based ART delivery for eligible clients assigned to NAV+CB-Med, including agreeing on a delivery location and documenting delivery.
10. Provide reminders for upcoming visits and follow-up for missed visits for clients assigned to ongoing navigation after return.
11. Complete required tracing forms and navigator logs accurately and on time.
12. Support recruitment, consenting, enrollment and collection of high quality data in line with study protocol procedures.
13. Submit weekly activity summaries to the Implementation Officer and Study Coordinator.
14. Report adverse events, social harms, and protocol deviations through the study reporting pathway.
15. Perform any study specific roles delegated by the Research Assistant or any senior study members.

Qualifications

1. Grade 12 Certificate
2. Certificate in a health or community health field, counseling, psychosocial support, or related. A diploma will be added advantage.
3. Experience in HIV outreach, adherence support, peer navigation, or defaulter tracing.
4. Strong communication skills in English and at least one relevant local language.
5. Strong record keeping and professionalism.
6. Willingness to conduct community work across facility catchment areas.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.