Health Field Worker (DOT follow-up)

General:

The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) in Lebanon is a governmental program that falls under the authority of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). It is composed of nine Tuberculosis (TB) control centers across the country and one sanatorium.

The specific problems in addressing TB among refugees include difficulties in reaching the population scattered in host communities and temporary settlements, and movement of the population within and across country borders.

The UN Migration Agency (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951. As an integral part of its multi-sectorial response to the Syrian crisis, IOM works through existing health care facilities to improve health care access for Syrian refugees, and provides support to national health care systems.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the NTP coordinator and NTP center managers. All activities related to his/her clinical/field work will be under the responsibility of the NTP and will prioritise Syrian refugees, other refugees and migrants and vulnerable Lebanese patients.

In particular, he/she will:

1. Perform Daily Observed Treatment (DOT) follow-up of assigned TB patients on a daily basis. This includes visiting patients’ homes and ensuring that they are taking their prescribed TB medications. DOT follow-up involves frequent travel  within the assigned area of responsibility on a daily basis using  their own mode of transport.
2. Screen and report any side effects to the treating physician, NTP center management and IOM field coordinator.
3. Reinforce the adherence of patients with the treatment regimen through health education/awareness raising and support
4. Ensure  tracing and screening contacts of pulmonary TB patients in order to facilitate early TB diagnosis and prevention of transmission
5. Maintain regular and direct contact with NTP centers regarding new patients that needs to be followed up as well as current patients on treatment and report back to the center about these cases as needed
6. Participate in assessments/surveys of the patient’s health needs
7. Raise awareness and disseminate information to the refugee population on location of health services, transport means and referral systems
8. Report on field activities and share relevant information with the NTP centers and IOM health unit on a regular basis; provide a monthly report to the IOM GF MER Grant Management Unit in the prescribed format before the 7^th of every following month
9. Participate actively in outreach activities in coordination with the TB center manager.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Desirable qualifications:

Education and Experience

a) Completed University degree in nursing, paramedics or related health field b) minimum two years of relevant work experience, c) demonstrated understanding of the humanitarian system through work experience and/or studies d) good knowledge  of the assigned area of responsibility  e) holds a valid driving license and has his/her own car f) willing to undertake daily travel to requested locations.

Competencies:  

a) good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills;   b) ability to draft clearly and concisely;   c)   demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity;   d)   ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;   e) ability to work under pressure e)   personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility and drive for results;   f)   Proficiency in Office applications, including Word and Excel.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following core behavioural IOM competencies:

• Accountability
• Client Orientation
• Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity and Initiative
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Technological Awareness

Languages

Thorough knowledge of Arabic and English/French.