WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY AREAS OF WORK OF A PROGRAMME/PROJECT MANAGER OF OST?

 OST=OPIOID SUBSTITUTION THERAPY

 PROGRAMME/PROJECT MANAGER

The programme/ project manager plays a pivotal role in the overall running of the programme and center. There shall be at least one project manager in every OST center.

Qualifications -

The project manager should preferably be a graduate.
If he has completed higher secondary education, he should have worked with drug users for at least 5 years.

Roles and responsibilities -

The project manager shall be the key person heading the OST team and will be responsible for coordinating and communicating with all stakeholders i.e., clients, their families, staff, SACS, NACO, other service providers, local administration, law enforcement, media and the general public.

 Key areas of work -

• Taking lead in implementing the project activities.
• Preparing an action plan for the project.
• Coordinating different activities of the project.
• Writing/Preparing monthly reports.
• Establishing and documenting referrals linkages with other service centers.
• Observing and supervising all activities of project staff.
• Planning and conducting advocacy activities.
• Coordinating and/or conducting in-house staff training.
• Conducting staff meetings regularly.
• Managing uninterrupted supply of buprenorphine
• Ensuring regular functioning of DIC.
• Tasks or responsibilities assigned by SACS/ NACO from time to time.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF STAFF REQUIRED FOR A OST CENTER?

                          OST=OPIOID SUBSTITUTION THERAPY.

STAFFING AND TRAINING RELATED ISSUES

The following categories of staff are essential in an OST center:
1. Programme manager
2. Doctor
3. Nurse
4. Counsellor
5. Outreach Workers (ORW)
6. Peer Educators (PEs)
7. Office Support Staff: Guard, Office boys, etc.

While the doctor can be part-time employed, the other category of staff should be
employed full time in the OST center. Ideally, the doctor should also be employed full time by the center. Staff from drug using background would be preferable and have been found to be more effective in dealing with clients. Also, preference should be given to those who have prior experience of working with drug users.
A mechanism should be in place to provide backup coverage during a staff member’s absence/leave. The staff should ensure that the confidentiality of the client is maintained at all costs. The staff should demonstrate a non-discriminatory attitude, and be sensitive and caring towards IDUs and PLHIV.