Health and Wellness Counsellor

The Institute of Health Programs and Systems (IHPS) is a South African non-profit company (NPC) born out of the PEPFAR CDC Track 1 transition of the ICAP, Columbia University, Multi-country AIDS Program (MCAP) in South Africa in 2010. The IHPS mission is “to strengthen health and development systems through program implementation and partnerships,” and the vision is “optimal and sustainable health and development outcomes”. Presently, IHPS is a Global Fund Subrecipient (SR) under Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), tasked to implement the “My Journey Adolescents and Young People (AYP) Programme”, in Mbombela Subdistrict, Mpumalanga Province, from January 2026 to March 2028. As such, IHPS seeks to recruit the position outlined below, based in Mbombela Subdistrict. 

Full Time
  • Contract Type: Fixed term contract
  • Start Date: February 2026
  • Remuneration: TBA
  • Level of Effort: 100%
  • Closing Date: 16 February 2026
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Overall Responsibility

Under the supervision of the NIMART Professional Nurse, the Health and Wellness Counsellor will deliver integrated, youth-friendly HIV testing and counselling services, conduct risk assessments, and facilitate referrals for AYP under the “My Journey” programme, ensuring holistic and confidential client care.

Key Performance Areas:

  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for AYP using standardized tools to identify needs for HTS, SRH, TB, STI, ART, and PrEP services.
  • Provide pre- and post-test counselling for HIV, ensuring informed consent and confidentiality.
  • Perform finger-prick HIV rapid testing in accordance with the National Algorithm and quality assurance protocols.
  • Facilitate referrals and linkages to clinical, psychosocial, legal, and social services, including GBV support and PEP services.
  • Support the NIMART Professional Nurse in conducting quality assurance activities, including RTCQI and proficiency testing.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential client records in both paper-based and digital systems (e.g., Tier.net, DHIS2).
  • Conduct health education sessions on HIV prevention, SRH, TB, and STI awareness in safe spaces and outreach settings.
  • Participate in community mobilization activities to promote uptake of HTS and other health services.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by IHPS senior management.

Qualifications

  • Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent to NQF 4 with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in HTS counselling and testing 
  • HIV/AIDS Counselling Certificate – such as the 10-day Counselling Course 
  • A recent finger-prick certificate not older than 2 years
  • Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQII) training 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

  • Knowledge of HIV and AIDS, including the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategic targets, and of TB management
  • Knowledge of the HTS testing algorithm, proficiency testing and quality assurance standard operating procedure (SOP)
  • Knowledge of Adolescent Girls and Young Women and Key Populations programming is preferable
  • Good interpersonal skills, including being a team player. 
  • Ability to work non-traditional/flexible hours. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and a command of other official local languages (multilingual) would be an added advantage.
  • Competence in HTS Register data recording
  • Previous work experience in NGOs or funded programs will be an advantage.

Employer’s Rights

This position description may not list all the duties of the job. If an offer is made, you will be presented with a detailed job description. Applicants will be evaluated based upon their demonstrated ability to perform the tasks listed above, their education and work experience. The employer reserves the right to revise this posting at any time.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply by e-mail only to HR@ihps-sa.org. Subject line should be the Position and Subdistrict you are applying for, and a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should be attached. Submissions which do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.

Due to the extremely high volume of CVs expected, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS about these positions will be accepted.

Closing Date: 16 February 2026