ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORWs AND PEs

1. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORWs AND PEs

2. WHO CAN BE AN ORW? An ORW should: • Preferably be from drug using community (ex-user and/or undergoing OST) • Be a local resident of the project area • Know the local language • Should understand the local cultural and social context • Be able to read and write

3. WHO CAN BE A PE? A current/active user: • Who exhibits the aptitude and desire to work among peers • Belonging to vast networks is ideal • Should be a local resident of the project area and have a good understanding of the drug use context of the area • Should have the goodwill of his peers (should be accepted by peers) • Should know local language

4. QUALITIES OF AN ORW An Outreach Worker should: • Have strong commitment to work with IDU • Have respect for IDU and their partners • Have ability to reach and relate to IDU on their terms, and communicate concern • Exhibit potential and confidence for leadership • Be flexible in approach to various lifestyles of IDU • Be able to follow directions, yet take initiative • Maintain confidentiality

5. CONTD. An Outreach Worker should: • Be able to take risks and discern when risks are unacceptable • Be able to work alone as well as in a team • Be tough-minded but not judgemental • Be stable, mature and creative • Have communicative, organisational and record keeping skills • Have the ability to network and familiarity with health and social services

6. QUALITIES OF A PE A Peer Educator should: • Have ability to remain non-judgmental • Exhibit active concern for peers • Maintain confidentiality • Demonstrate good listening and learning skills • Be eager to establish oneself as IDU role model; ability to influence ‘peer norms’ • Have the ability to control their drug use at work

7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORW • Develop work plan • Identify Peer Educators and stakeholders • Meet regularly with Peer Educator • Build capacity of, monitor and supervise PE • Provide education on HIV/AIDS, STI, BBV, safer injecting, safer sex practices, sex, sexuality and gender, overdose, importance of early treatment and services available • Engage in analysis & problem solving

8. CONTD. • Ensure regular and uninterrupted delivery of harm reduction materials • Engage in risk reduction/behaviour change communication • Initiate formation of IDU support groups, facilitate group/s meetings and foster activities that strengthens group bonding cohesion • Organize advocacy/meetings

9. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PE • Initiate contact with peers (rapport building) and maintain regular contact in a planned manner • Support sharing of information within networks and between networks • Facilitate linkages between peers and project (workers and services) • Educate peers on STI/HIV, and other BBVs, harm reduction etc. through one-on-one and one to group sessions • Conduct individual risk assessment of peers

10. CONTD. • Teach peers to negotiate safer injecting and safer sex practices • Deliver (and assist peers to access) harm reduction services such as NSEP, STI etc. • Assist in referrals to ICTC/DOTS and allied health care services; • Represent peer interests at various platforms • Motivate peers to join/participate in support groups activities and facilitate the group development processes