The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

CHAI approaches some of the most pressing issues in global health with a business-oriented strategy to fundamentally change the underlying economics. CHAI’s solution-oriented approach focuses on improving market dynamics for medicines and diagnostics; lowering prices for diagnosis and treatment; accelerating access to lifesaving technologies; and helping governments build the capacity required for high-quality care and treatment programs. By addressing global market failures and accelerating access to the most effective, high-quality health products at affordable and sustainable prices, CHAI helps patients access the care and treatment they need.

CHAI strives to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes fairness, respect, equity and dignity in the workplace. CHAI welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourages people from historically disadvantaged groups to apply. CHAI values diversity and inclusion and recognizes that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and culture.

CHAI South Africa – Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) is an umbrella term covering products and services that enhance an individual’s functioning and independence, to facilitate participation, and ability to live their full potential. This is particularly true for children who will experience life-long benefits. AT can improve mobility, hearing, vision, or communication capacities, with examples such as wheelchairs, prostheses, hearing aids and spectacles. AT access must consider not only the product itself, but also the spectrum of health and rehabilitation services related to provision/prescription of AT to the individual, including assessment, fitting, user training and follow-up (users’ satisfaction), maintenance and repair.

Despite the large need, nearly one billion people are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products. The growing need for AT in low-and middle-income countries is rapidly outpacing the current gains in access. A radical shift is needed from the status quo, away from parallel and fragmented AT provision towards integration with public systems.

In South Africa, CHAI’s AT Team is supporting the Department of Health (DoH) at the national, provincial and district level in strengthening their service delivery platforms for improving access to AT. Key areas of technical support include but are not limited to; identification of children and adults needing AT; and (2) provision of appropriate, affordable, and quality products.

The Volunteer will be seconded to the provincial Department of Health at the facility level and will report to the assigned supervisor and the AT Manager.

• Conduct early childhood disability screenings (e.g., hearing, vision) for children aged 0 to six years.
• Provide health education on disabilities and AT.
• Collect and manage screening data, including other related administrative responsibilities.
• Handle screening referrals, including patient monitoring and tracking, and provide relevant feedback to caregivers.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

• Minimum of a Matric qualification.
• Proficiency in English and an African language commonly spoken in the assigned area (suburb, city, or subdistrict).
• Police clearance certificate
• Basic knowledge of MS Word and Excel (proficiency will be tested during the recruitment process).

Advantages:

• Experience in the public health sector
• Strong communication skills, including excellent phone etiquette
• Ability to function well in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Willingness to undergo a health screening as per Occupational health and safety requirements
• An understanding of infection control protocols
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, be effective in high-pressure situations and adapt to fast-paced and changing environments with a strong commitment to excellence, both internally and externally, and with limited-structural support.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, visual and written communication skills.

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