Community Health Worker

University Of Cape Town Lung Institute; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cape Town Lung Institute is looking for a Community Health Worker to support clinical research studies through participant engagement, recruitment, education, follow-up, and providing ongoing support to study participants throughout their research journey.

This fixed-term contract (12 months) is based between UCTLI in Mowbray and Groote Schuur Hospital, with responsibilities at community health clinics in the Klipfontein/Mitchells Plain metro area, Monday to Friday, 40 hours

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / NSC or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in healthcare with knowledge of participant recruitment.
• Fluency in English and another South African language.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive participant information.
• Detail-oriented with strong administrative abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be flexible – work hours and work allocations.
• Positive and professional attitude with a participant-centred approach.
• Credit and criminal clear.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, screen, enrolment and support potential study participants throughout the research process.
• Assist with obtaining informed consent.
• Maintain participant engagement through follow-ups and appointments.
• Conduct home visits when required.
• Support participants with treatment adherence and medication schedules with the Research Nurse.
• Provide education relating to TB/HIV and research participation.
• Keep the RN informed of participant progress and concerns.
• Data collection via questionnaires and tools; support data team with databases.
• Assist with progress reports and research documentation.
• Assist with specimen labelling and transportation processes.
• Visit sites and clinics to enhance recruitment strategies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

Grade 12 / NSC

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Data Management Systems

Internet

Job description

If you’re passionate about supporting people, improving health outcomes, and making a difference in communities, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical research within a fast-paced and purpose-driven environment.

The University of Cape Town Lung Institute is looking for a Community Health Worker to support clinical research studies through participant engagement, recruitment, education, follow-up, and providing ongoing support to study participants throughout their research journey.

This role is offered under the University of Cape Town Lung Institute’s own employment terms and conditions, which are separate from UCT conditions of service.

What you bring:

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification
• Experience working within a healthcare environment with knowledge of participant recruitment
• Fluency in English and another South African language
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive participant information
• Detail-oriented with strong administrative abilities
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Be flexible – work hours and work allocations
• Positive and professional attitude with a participant-centred approach
• Credit and criminal clear

Advantageous

• Knowledge of medical terminology, particularly TB and HIV (COVID-19)
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• General computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, Internet; Data Management Systems)

This isn’t just community engagement; you’ll be the bridge between participants and clinical research, building trust, providing support, and helping deliver studies that have the potential to improve lives.

What you’ll own:

• Recruit, screen, enrolment and support potential study participants throughout the research process
• Assist with obtaining informed consent from participants according to study requirements
• Maintain participant engagement through follow-ups and appointments
• Conduct home visits where required for participants who miss scheduled appointments
• Work closely with the Research nurse to Support participants with treatment adherence and medication schedules
• Provide education and support relating to research participation, TB/HIV, and treatment adherence
• Keep the Registered Nurse informed of participant progress and report any concerns or irregularities
• Collect participant information through questionnaires, data collection tools, and interviewsComplete first line quality control processes through data entry, verification, and assist the data team to maintain accurate participant databases
• Assist the Research Nurse to Complete participant progress reports and research documentation as required
• Assist clinical staff with correct specimen labelling and transportation processes
• Support the team with administrative and research-related activities as required
• Visit various sites and clinics within the research areas to enhance recruitment and enrolment strategies

Where you’ll add value:

• Building trust and positive relationships with study participants and communities
• Supporting participant retention and successful completion of clinical research activities
• Ensuring accurate data collection and maintaining confidentiality throughout the research process
• Providing education and encouragement that supports better health outcomes
• Contributing to impactful research aimed at improving prevention and treatment of infectious diseases

Your support will make a lasting difference by ensuring participants feel valued, informed, and cared for while contributing to research that improves lives.

Role Information:

• Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)
• Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week
• Based between UCTLI in Mowbray and Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory, Community health clinics within the Klipfontein /Mitchells Plain metro area

Closing Date: 23 September 2026

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT
We are committed to equitable employment practices and diversity in the workplace. Appointments will be made in accordance with the University of Cape Town Lung Institute’s Employment Equity Plan.

POPIA STATEMENT
Your personal information will be processed in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and used solely for recruitment purposes, including reference checks. By applying, you consent to this process.