The AIDS Support Organization (TASO Uganda), was founded to contribute to a process of preventing HIV infection, restoring hope and improving the quality of life of persons, families and communities affected by HIV infection and disease. TASO is implementing various projects funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Fund in partnership with various Implementing Partners to support the Government of Uganda accelerate epidemic control and the attainment of the UNAIDS 95 95 95 goals. TASO requires the services of dedicated, competent, innovative and result-oriented individuals for employment on a contract basis for the posts below;

Job Title (3) REF: TS/HR/PMCD 49: Psychosocial and Community Linkages Officer (01)
Classification: Contract, Full-time
Reporting to: Center Program Manager
Salary: Commensurate with training and experience
Duty Station: TASO Soroti CoE
Directly Supervises: Counsellors VMMC/EMTCT/VLS/Adol and Community Linkages Assist

Main Purpose of the Job:
To supervise and coordinate the provision of all psychosocial servic TASO Centre of Excellence and Public Health Facilities and promote care, treatment and sup programs in accordance to the set procedures, policies, regulations, guidelines, standards and target

Key Outputs
• Plans and budgets for psychosocial department at the Centre
• Psychosocial components of Care, Treatment and Support services are well-coordinated at T. center and PHFs • HIV Prevention activities well-coordinated and monitored
Human resources and other resources in the department managed
• Quality of service delivery ensured
• Policies, guidelines, procedures, standards and regulations adhered too
• HSS Psychosocial activities well-coordinated and implemented
• Periodic reports written, reviewed and submitted on time

Duties and Responsibilities
1.Develop, harmonize and manage departmental work plans and budgets
2 Supervise and monitor implementation of department activities
3. Lead the provision of care, treatment and support services to PLHIV at the Facilities and communities.
4. Provide guidance to implementation of HIV prevention services
5. Coordinate center clinics and community Outreach activities
6. Lead the mapping and identification of OVC Households
7. Plan, supervise and monitor provision of comprehensive OVC services
8. Plan, supervise and monitor implementation of ARV delivery at the center and Community
9. Ensure an updated Pre-ART Register.
10. Conduct psychosocial HSS activities at PHFs
11. Ensure effective follow-up of clients both at TASO centers and PHFs to improve client retention in care
12. Ensure all HIV Positive individuals are linked into care, treatment and support services
13. Provide support to the Centre Manager on partnership issues related to counselling, community and social support activities and psychosocial activities
14. Ensure compliance to the set TASO standards, procedures and guidelines in the delivery of counselling services.
15. Carry out performance planning, review and appraisals for the subordinates in the department.
16. Conduct quarterly programmatic reviews of counselling and manage smooth transitions as staffs are rotated in the different service arms.
17. Ensure effective documentation of psychosocial activities and success stories
18. Prepare, review and submit periodic reports on psychosocial activities as required

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS: Psychosocial & Community Linkages Officer
Minimum Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Social Sciences, Education, SWSA, Development Studies, Community and Adult Education, Community Psychology, or Guidance and Counselling.

Additional Training Necessary: Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, HIV/AIDS Counselling Certificate, Supervisory Skills Training, Management Improvement Training OR TOT in Community Care.

Minimum Experience and Exposure: 7 years’ experience in a HIV/AIDS counseling work, 2 of which should have been in a supervisory position.

Special Knowledge
• Trends and developments in HIV Counselling programming
• Rights of PLHIV

Key Skills: Counselling skills, Motorcycle riding, Leadership skills, Supervisory skills and Computer skills.

Other Qualities/Attributes: Integrity, Emotional control, Confidentiality, Empathy, Patience and Ability to work under mental and physical stress