Health Assistant

Position: Health Assistants
Location: Four (4) positions based in Amudat, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit and Napak

I. Summary of Position
The Health Assistant will support implementation of community-level health interventions in the assigned district. The role will contribute to integrated primary healthcare outreach, maternal and newborn health promotion, immunisation mobilisation, community sensitisation and follow-up of children who have missed routine vaccinations. The Health Assistant will work closely with Health and Surveillance Officers, VHTs, health facilities and community structures to identify service gaps, mobilise communities, facilitate referrals and support access to essential health services for vulnerable populations.
Purpose:
Support effective delivery of community-level health activities by mobilising eligible clients, promoting positive health-seeking behaviours, supporting referrals and following up individuals and households requiring essential health services.
Engagement:
Work closely with the Health and Surveillance Officer, VHTs/CHWs, health facility staff, community leaders and other project teams to ensure communities are informed, mobilised and linked to appropriate health services.
Delivery:
Ensure timely and respectful community engagement, accurate activity documentation and follow-up of assigned actions in line with project plans and ACF standards.
II. Essential Job Duties
Community Mobilisation and Health Sensitisation

Mobilise communities and households to participate in integrated health outreaches, immunisation sessions and other planned health activities.
Conduct or support community sensitisation and health education sessions on maternal, newborn and child health, immunisation, disease prevention and timely health-seeking.
Share approved health messages on ANC, skilled delivery, PNC, essential newborn care, maternal and newborn danger signs and completion of vaccination schedules.
Engage community, cultural and religious leaders and VHTs to address misconceptions and promote uptake of available health services.
Support distribution and appropriate use of approved IEC materials in relevant local languages and formats.

Immunisation Mobilisation and Defaulter Follow-up

Work with VHTs and health facility teams to identify children who are zero-dose, under-immunised or have missed scheduled vaccinations.
Support line-listing, household follow-up and mobilisation of caregivers to attend routine immunisation and catch-up sessions.
Remind caregivers of planned outreach dates and vaccination schedules using approved communication approaches.
Document mobilisation and follow-up activities and share updates with the Health and Surveillance Officer and facility focal persons.

Outreach and Referral Support

Support preparation and organisation of integrated community health outreaches, including community mobilisation, site preparation and client flow where required.
Assist health workers with non-clinical outreach tasks and community engagement; do not undertake clinical procedures outside professional qualification and authorisation.
Identify individuals and households reporting health concerns and facilitate linkage to VHTs or qualified health workers for assessment.
Support follow-up of clients referred to health facilities and document referral outcomes in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
Support identification of pregnant women, newborns and children who may have missed routine services and encourage timely access to care.

Community Surveillance and Early Reporting

Support VHTs and community structures to identify and promptly report unusual health events or suspected epidemic-prone disease alerts to designated health personnel.
Share approved information on signs and symptoms and where to seek care, without diagnosing or treating suspected cases.
Support community awareness on prevention and timely reporting of measles and AWD/cholera concerns.
Escalate urgent health concerns and barriers to service access to the supervising Health and Surveillance Officer.

Monitoring, Documentation and Accountability

Maintain accurate attendance lists, mobilisation records, household follow-up records and activity reports.
Collect routine field-level information using approved tools and submit reports within agreed timelines.
Record community feedback, access barriers and implementation challenges and share them with the supervisor.
Promote awareness of available feedback and complaints channels and support communities to use them safely.
Protect the confidentiality of beneficiary and health information and ensure forms and records are securely handled.

Coordination and Community Relations

Maintain positive working relationships with VHTs, local leaders, health facility staff and community structures.
Participate in community meetings and coordination activities as requested by the supervisor.
Coordinate with Nutrition, WASH and Protection teams to support appropriate referrals and integrated community engagement.
Promote respectful, non-discriminatory and culturally appropriate engagement with all community members.

III. Supervisory Responsibilities

No direct supervisory responsibilities.
May provide practical coordination support to VHTs and community volunteers during mobilisation and outreach activities.

IV. Gender Equality Commitments

Promote equal participation and access for women, men, girls, boys, older persons and persons with disabilities.
Ensure community sessions and mobilisation approaches are accessible, respectful and culturally appropriate.
Treat all beneficiaries with dignity and without discrimination.

V. Fiscal Responsibility

Ensure proper care and accountability for IEC materials, registers, communication tools and other project resources assigned.
Use project resources only for authorised activities and report loss, damage or misuse promptly.

VI. Physical Demands
Frequent household visits and movement within communities, including travel to remote outreach locations and hard-to-reach settlements.
VII. Working Conditions, Travel and Environment
The role is community-based in the assigned district and involves regular field travel and work in challenging climatic, access and security conditions.
VIII. Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

Certificate or diploma in Community Health, Nursing,nutrition, Public Health, Health Promotion, Community Development or another relevant field.
At least 2 years of experience in community health, health promotion, immunisation mobilisation, humanitarian programming or community outreach.
Experience working with VHTs/CHWs, local leaders and vulnerable communities is an advantage.
Experience in community mobilisation, household follow-up, referrals and basic field data collection is desirable.