Integrated Testing Assistant

Background

• CCCRN operates a cluster-based structure in which the health facilities it works with in Niger State are grouped into three geographic clusters: Minna, Bida and Suleja.
• Each cluster brings together facilities located in and around its hub town, so that they can be coordinated, supported and monitored together.
• Two ad hoc Integrated Health Optimizers will serve each cluster, reporting to and working with the regular project Integrated Health Optimizer/Associate where designated, or the named cluster technical supervisor.
• They will support high-volume facilities and PHCs through scheduled portfolios.
• Facility/service centre leadership provides day-to-day direction; project cluster personnel provide line supervision and verify deliverables.
• Assignments reflect workload, government capacity, approved scope and demonstrated competencies.
• Integrated delivery includes coordinated client flows, eligible service linkage, referral completion, approved records and mentorship of named government counterparts.
• Clinical support nursing proposal for leadership review: Preserve the three existing ESM Nurse functions as Integrated Clinical Support Nurse assignments where verified facility gaps justify deployment.
• Confirm qualifications, current licensing, competencies and funding. Nurses will provide authorized clinical triage, nursing care, treatment-continuity assessment, maternal/child linkage and escalation under the facility clinical lead, with protected clinical time and coordination with cluster Optimizers.
• Review as government capacity improves.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide HIV testing within approved algorithms, consent requirements, training and competency limits.
• Conduct malaria RDTs for eligible clients where appropriate, including approved outreaches and household visits during community index testing.
• Use approved symptom/eligibility assessment and refer danger signs promptly; link positive results to care and malaria treatment by authorized providers.
• Record testing, quality-control information and results within authorized responsibilities; track service linkage.
• Handle, label, document, package and refer specimens only within authorized scope.
• Follow biosafety, infection prevention, sharps/waste disposal, quality assurance and commodity accountability procedures under designated laboratory oversight.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Recognized Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Community Health or related qualification appropriate to assigned tasks, with at least one year of relevant experience; OR SSCE/equivalent with at least three years of demonstrable HIV-testing experience and documented approved testing training.
• Credentials and competencies must be verified.
• Independent malaria RDT testing requires approved training and competency sign-off.
• Specimen collection and other procedures are limited to appropriately qualified and authorized staff.

General Requirements:

• Ability to work collaboratively with facility and community teams in the assigned location.
• Commitment to continuity and quality of integrated health services.
• Willingness to comply with approved project, government and facility procedures, including confidentiality and relevant safety requirements.