Community Health Outreach Specialist - TJ / 1911429

Our client, a confidential organization, is seeking a Community Health Outreach Specialist based in Peshawar. The specialist will play a vital role in engaging the community to promote health awareness and preventive healthcare measures. This position involves leading initiatives to increase understanding of vaccines, address concerns related to immunization, and advocate for overall community well-being. The role requires close collaboration with local health departments to enhance outreach efforts, improve coordination, and ensure meaningful community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

- Advocate health care messages within the community to influence social and behavioral change related to primary health care.
- Conduct regular household visits to provide personalized health education, address concerns, assist Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and vaccinators during outreach, and encourage vaccination uptake.
- Focus on health awareness campaigns targeting Polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) to increase coverage and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
- Actively dispel rumors and misconceptions, particularly those related to vaccines.
- Address broader health issues including nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and other cross-cutting healthcare topics.
- Facilitate group counseling sessions to encourage open discussions, allowing community members to share experiences, ask questions, and receive support.
- Participate in community group meetings to ensure effective dissemination of health messages to diverse audiences.
- Support surveillance activities for acute flaccid paralysis and other communicable diseases, contributing to public health monitoring.
- Assist in outreach sessions during pre-campaign, campaign, and post-campaign phases to strengthen Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) structures.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, local organizations, and leaders, acting as a liaison to ensure effective communication between the public health organization and the community.
- Conduct assessments to identify specific health needs, barriers to access, and areas for improvement within the community.
- Connect community members with available health services, programs, and resources, facilitating access to healthcare providers, vaccination clinics, and screenings.
- Organize and conduct educational workshops and training sessions on relevant health topics at key community sites such as mosques, schools, and festivals.
- Plan and execute health-related events, fairs, and workshops in collaboration with local organizations to maximize outreach.
- Be prepared to respond to health crises or emergencies by disseminating timely and accurate information and coordinating support services.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by The Learning Machine (TLM).

Required Qualifications

- Minimum education level: F.A/F.Sc.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in the local language, particularly Pashto.
- Demonstrated experience in effective communication and health demonstrations.

Preferred Qualifications

- Previous experience working with humanitarian aid organizations.
- Experience in Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) related programs.
- Proven background in outreach and awareness campaigns.

Location

The position is based at the Panjpeer facility, Union Council Hazarkhawani-2, Tehsil and District Peshawar.

This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on community health by fostering preventive practices and improving vaccination coverage through dedicated outreach and education.