Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, March 05 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Background
• Avencion seeks to recruit personnel that will work on its Boston University NHI Chisoni (SUDI) Project which will involve supporting families during challenging times while contributing to groundbreaking research. Ideal candidates should be compassionate and dedicated individuals who are willing to serve as the primary point of contact for participant families, offering grief counseling and facilitating study enrolments and sample collection:

A. Field Officer
Key Responsibilities
1. Study Protocol Operationalization and data collection
• Identifying and enrolling deceased infants as per protocol and guidelines.
• Obtaining informed consent and conducting grief counselling.
• Conducting assessments, including eligibility screening, verbal autopsies and interviews.
• Assisting with SUDI risk factor surveys
• Ensuring timely collection, collation, and transmission of data.
2. Sample Collection and Management
• Collection of nasopharyngeal specimens (swab).
3. Data Management
• Managing electronic data capture, including entry and upload of data from study tools to REDcap.
• Ensuring security and confidentiality of all study data both hardcopy and soft copy.
4. Facility-Level Operational Strategies and Quality Improvement
• Implementing initiatives to improve protocol adherence.
• Executing set quality assurance/improvement activities
• Collaborating in strategic planning and reporting meetings.
5. Procurement, Logistics, and Financial Management
• Coordinating procurement of office supplies.
• Efficiently managing project supplies and consumables including stock taking and timely requisitions when necessary.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
• Building and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Participating in weekly study calls and generating required reports.

Qualifications
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Required Minimum Experience
• Previous experience in grief counseling or related roles preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Previous experience in death scene investigation, trauma counselling, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of safe sleep practices for infants and familiarity with relevant protocols and tools is a plus.

B. Field MITS Officer
Main Purpose of Job: To conduct Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling as guided by the Pathologist(s) for the NHI Chisoni (SUDI) Project.

Key Responsibilities
1. Study Protocol Operationalization and data collection
• Assisting with SUDI risk factor surveys
• Ensuring timely collection, collation, and transmission of data.
2. Sample Collection and Management
• Collaborate with Pathologist to perform MITS (Minimally invasive tissue sampling) on deceased infants and process sample according to SOP
• Collect venous blood from deceased infant and process sample according to SOP
• Collect Cerebral Spinal Fluid from Deceased infant and process sample according to SOP
3. Data Management
• Managing electronic data capture, including entry and upload of data from study tools to REDcap.
• Ensuring security and confidentiality of all study data both hardcopy and soft copy.
4. Facility-Level Operational Strategies and Quality Improvement
• Implementing initiatives to improve protocol adherence.
• Executing set quality assurance/improvement activities
• Collaborating in strategic planning and reporting meetings.
5. Procurement, Logistics, and Financial Management
• Coordinating procurement of office supplies.
• Efficiently managing project supplies and consumables including stock taking and timely requisitions when necessary.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
• Building and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Participating in weekly study calls and generating required reports.
Qualifications
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Required Minimum Experience
• Previous experience in grief counseling or related roles preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Previous experience in death scene investigation, trauma counselling, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of safe sleep practices for infants and familiarity with relevant protocols and tools is a plus.

C. Death Scene Field Investigator- Trauma Outreach Field Officer
Main Purpose of Job: To conduct death scene investigations with a focus on trauma outreach on the SUDI Study.

Key Responsibilities
1. Death Scene Investigation
• Conduct comprehensive and thorough investigations of infant deaths, ensuring adherence to established protocols and guidelines.
• Gather pathology and molecular data related to each case, including detailed documentation of medical history, autopsy findings, and any relevant forensic evidence.
• Utilize specialized tools and protocols, to classify and document the sleep environment, identifying any deviations from safe sleeping conditions.
2. Trauma Outreach
• Establish empathetic and supportive relationships with families affected by infant loss, demonstrating sensitivity and understanding throughout all interactions.
• Provide counseling and emotional support to families during home visits, offering a safe space for them to express their grief and concerns.
• Collaborate with mental health community counselors to assess the coping mechanisms of families and identify those in need of additional mental health support or referral services.
3. Home Visits
• Coordinate and schedule timely home visits with families within days of initial contact, ensuring efficient and compassionate delivery of support services.
• Facilitate the presence of trained mental health community counselors during home visits to assess the emotional well-being of families and provide immediate support as needed.
• Conduct thorough assessments during home visits, including obtaining narrative descriptions of the infant’s death and documenting the sleep environment using established protocols and tools.
4. Communication
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to share pertinent information gathered during investigations and home visits, facilitating comprehensive case management and support.
• Participate in local and full team meetings and case reviews to discuss findings, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for enhancing support services for families.
5. Documentation
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all interactions, assessments, and findings related to death scene investigations and trauma outreach activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information collected during investigations and home visits, adhering to established protocols and regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions for each case, contributing to ongoing data collection and analysis efforts.

Qualifications
• Diploma in Nursing /Medical Clinical Sciences
Required Minimum Experience
• At least 5 years’ experience working as clinical officer or senior nursing personnel in clinical research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing grief and trauma.
• Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach to working with diverse populations.
• Attention to detail and the ability to gather and document information accurately.
• Willingness to travel as needed to conduct home visits and investigations.
• Previous experience in death scene investigation, trauma counseling, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of safe sleep practices for infants and familiarity with relevant protocols and tools is a plus.

D. Community Counsellor
Main Purpose of Job: To conduct death scene investigations with a focus on trauma outreach on the SUDI Study.

Key Responsibilities
1. Provide Emotional and Mental Health Support
• Collaborate with Death Scene Field Investigator/Trauma Outreach Field Officer to conduct home visits to families who have experienced infant deaths.
• Assess the emotional and mental well-being of family members and provide appropriate counseling and support.
• Utilize expertise in grief counseling to help families cope with their loss.
2. Referral and Follow-up
• Identify families in need of additional mental health support beyond the scope of initial counselling.
• Offer a list of referral options or coordinate follow-up sessions with our mental health consultant, as necessary.
3. Assist in Data Collection
• Collaborate with the Death Scene Field Investigator / Trauma Outreach Field Officer during home visits to obtain narrative descriptions of each infant’s death and document the sleep environment.
• Employ sensitivity and empathy during the data collection process, understanding the delicate nature of the circumstances.
4. Utilize Existing Protocols
• Familiarize yourself with protocols and tools developed for classifying safe sleeping environments.
• Ensure adherence to these protocols during assessments and documentation.
5. Educational Support
• Offer guidance and education to families on safe sleeping practices for infants based on established protocols.
• Provide clear explanations and demonstrations to help families understand and implement safe sleep practices.
6. Communication
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to share pertinent information gathered during investigations and home visits, facilitating comprehensive case management and support.
• Participate in local and full team meetings and case reviews to discuss findings, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for enhancing support services for families.
7. Documentation
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all interactions, assessments, and findings related to death scene investigations and trauma outreach activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information collected during investigations and home visits, adhering to established protocols and regulations
• Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions for each case, contributing to ongoing data collection and analysis efforts.

Requirements:
• Certificate or Diploma in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Certification or licensure as a counselor.
• Experience in grief counseling or trauma-informed care preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work sensitively with individuals and families experiencing grief and loss.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to adhere to established protocols and guidelines for data collection and assessment.

Education Requirement: No Requirements

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education:

Job application procedure
• Please follow the link here to apply for the position you qualify for:
• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSen3MQBxfBl20rdiD-0UCRp7pbhLpYNK_xt5GZOsI-WelTdBw/viewform?usp=sf_link 
• Closing date for applications is 11th March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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