Trainees will be appointed with the same essential qualifications as a health adviser but they may be lacking some of the previous knowledge/ relevant experience. Trainee posts should only be for six months (full time), this time will provide the experience and supervision required for a health adviser

ACCOUNTABLE TO – Clinical Issues to the Consultant in GUM/ HIV
MANAGERIALLY RESPONSIBLE TO:- Senior /Health Adviser where they are in post or a relevant senior member of staff e.g. a clinic manager

JOB SUMMARY

• To provide advice, information, education and counselling to patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis and hepatitis B & C.
• To carry out partner notification, to ensure the attendance and treatment of contacts.
• To provide ongoing support and counselling for those with associated concerns e.g. rape, termination of pregnancy, sexual identity, relationship and psychosexual issues etc.
• To provide pre test HIV discussion and post test discussion and/ or counselling.
• To provide follow up counselling and psychosocial care for HIV antibody positive patients as required.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

ALL TO BE CARRIED OUT UNDER SUPERVISION

1. To provide information to patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection: how they are acquired, transmitted and treated.
2. To provide education and counselling on preventing or minimizing the risk of infection.
3. To provide effective partner notification to ensure contact(s)’ attendance and treatment by index (patient) referral as detailed in the SSHA PN policy
4. To stress the importance of medical treatment and follow-up.
5. To discuss HIV with patients who may have been at risk or are worried.
6. To provide pre HIV test discussion and post HIV test counselling.
7. To provide initial post-test HIV counselling for newly diagnosed patients, their partners, significant others and offer ongoing counselling and psychosocial care dependant on the health advisers training, experience and supervision.
8. To provide a safe environment whereby patients can discuss their concerns and ask questions.
9. To provide comprehensive assessment of patients’ other social, emotional or sexual difficulties and to follow up or refer on as appropriate.
10. To record interventions accurately and concisely in patient files.
11. To ensure patients are followed up adequately if they need to reattend for results treatment or counselling by letter, phone, or home visit, or through GP, FHSA or other means.
12. To keep confidential records for the purpose of partner notification.
13. To take a lead in sexual health promotion work within the clinic and community.
14. To keep statistics on all patient contacts and interviews to enable audit and evaluation of services.
15. To liaise with other health advisers in GUM and exchange relevant information in order to facilitate partner notification.
16. To liaise with other local or national agencies as appropriate
17. To establish good working relationships with medical, nursing, and administration staff within the clinic, as well as with professionals from other departments e.g. Accident and Emergency, Gynaecology, Psychiatry.
18. To take part in teaching programs as required for nursing staff, medical students or other statutory or voluntary bodies.
19. To continue professional development and training by attendance and contribution at relevant clinic/ Trust/ regional/ national meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences.
20. To participate in regular supervision and staff appraisal.
21. To be aware of the confidential nature of the clinic and work within the legal responsibilities as laid down in the Venereal Diseases Regulations 1974 and the NHS Trust Act 1991.
22. To work within SSHA guidance e.g. Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, Guidelines for Good Practice, PN Policy.