Health Assistant

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies. 

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala and Kiryandongo settlement. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development – bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in the districts of Kitgum, Lamwo, Arua, Yumbe, Kyegegwa, Kiryandongo, Kyaka  and Kampala including 7 districts in Karamoja region.

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of Senior Community Health Officer, the Health Assistant will be responsible for hygiene and sanitation at the Health Unit and community. He/she will be expected to work within the heath facility, health posts and community in the IRC supported health facilities’ catchment population and collaborate with the integrated community health program to implement health activities. She/he will spend approximately 80% of his/her time in the field both at the health facility, health posts and in the community. The main purpose is to prevent and control the spread of diseases in the community

Duties and Responsibilities

•Knowledge of public health interventions including EPI, HIV/AIDS, WASH, nutrition, family planning and outbreak prevention and response.
•Knowledge of behavior change methods.
•Skilled in developing relationships to strengthen social support networks and using behavior change strategies to mobilize community members to take ownership of healthcare needs.
•Implement community Based Environmental Health Activities.
•Account for allocated resources.
•Compile and submit relevant basic health data to the Health Inspector and Senior Community Health officer.
•Carry out research activities.
•Compile quarterly sanitation data coverage for the catchment area.
•Conduct daily supervision of hygiene and sanitation for the catchment area.
•Compile and submit monthly community CBHIS. 
•Supervise VHT activities within the Catchment area.
•Conduct biweekly meetings with the VHTs.  
•Conduct health education and health promotion both at health facility level, reception center and Community.

Communication/Reporting

•Provide regular feedback on community activities.
•Assist in preparation of donor reports.
•Participate in the development and implementation of program work plans.