COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER - PREVENTION SPECIALIST
SUMMARY: This position works in partnership with the HIV Program Manager for successful program implementation. The Community Health Worker – Prevention Specialist will aid patients in securing PrEP, assist with medication adherence and retention on PrEP, test community members for HIV, assist as part of a team to deliver HIV test results to patients, conduct patient follow-up, participate in PrEP promotional campaigns, outreach, data entry, and other duties as needed. The Community Health Worker – Prevention Specialist will take the lead with individuals testing negative to ensure that they are educated about safe behaviors and PrEP and receive the necessary lab work to start PrEP.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides confidential assessment to determine the HIV prevention needs of the patients whether test results are positive or negative; this includes the registration and planning of prevention services.
- Provides access to biomedical prevention services (PrEP/PEP), ensuring access, follow-up and adherence to PrEP/PEP, including supportive services that can enhance risk reduction, behavior change, adoption, and maintenance.
- Assists medical staff with conducting behavioral screenings to include sexual health histories.
- Collaborates with project staff in advertising and media promotion of the HIV testing and PrEP program, including the use of geo-social networking.
- Responsible for providing rapid HIV testing through outreach into the community, including community settings where the priority population socializes and/or congregates, as needed.
- Performs follow-up risk assessments with individuals who test positive and negative for HIV to reinforce the individual’s realistic perception of risk.
- Promote a supportive, but non-therapeutic relationship with PrEP patients, such as peer-based informational, emotional, or instrumental support.
- Provides case management by assessing the patient’s needs and provide assistance with any barriers to care.
- Assist patients with scheduling appointments, update contact information, and navigating patient concerns.
- Maintains records of all activities.
- Attendance at required agency meetings and external meetings with other local providers.
- Community outreach and education.
- All other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High School Diploma or GED required
Associate's Degree in Social Services, Public Health, and/or community healthcare related field, preferred.
Minimum of 2 years Patient Navigator, Case Management, Education, or Human Services experience is preferred
Great customer service experience is required
Experience working with LGBTQ, African American, Latino and economically diverse populations.
Experience working with patients with other chronic and behavioral health needs.
Community Health Worker Certification, a plus.
Specialized training or experience in HIV prevention interventions, PrEP/PEP, and STIs a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Must be flexible and adaptable to change
Demonstrate comfort in discussing sensitive topics with patients.
Demonstrate the ability to multitask, work well in teams, and be highly detailed oriented.
Ability to educate on PrEP and HIV Prevention.
Knowledge of HIPAA and be able to communicate knowledge about HIV and STDs.
Must be comfortable working in a clinical setting with providers and medical personnel.
Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Experience using appropriate technology, such as computers, for work-based communication, according to organizational requirements.
Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office and online record keeping.
Willing to travel with dependable transportation required.
Must possess a valid Driver's License and have proof of current automobile insurance coverage.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Additional desirable qualities include enthusiasm and passion for helping patients, genuine spirit, kind, and empathetic nature, and one who embraces flexibility.
Long periods of standing and walking indoors and outdoors in various climates.
Must be able to lift, bend, carry, pull, and/or push necessary equipment to/from various locations.
This a special grant funded position.