Job Description
PrEP Patient Navigator
The PrEP Patient Navigator will assist the ETI Program Coordinator with program implementation. He/she will help patient’s secure PrEP, help with medication adherence and retention on PrEP, test patients for HIV and HCV, assist as part of a team to deliver HIV and HCV test results to patients, conduct patient follow-up, and participate in PrEP promotional campaigns (including PrEP nightclub campaign), outreach, data entry and other duties as needed.
The PrEP patient navigator will take the lead with those testing negative to ensure the patient is educated about safe behaviors and PrEP, receives the necessary lab work to start PrEP, and is assisted with the costs of medication so as not be a barrier to adherence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides confidential assessment to determine the HIV prevention needs of the clients whether test results are positive or negative; this includes the registration, and planning of prevention services.
- Develops PrEP/PEP resources available in the area for the clients in need of the services; develop a network with PrEP/PEP providers.
- 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.
- Provides, and ensures access and active referrals to the screening of STIs
- Collaborates with project staff in advertising and media promotion of the HIV testing program, including the use of geo-social networking.
- Responsible for providing HIV antibodies testing on-site and through outreach into the community, including local gay bars/clubs, and other community settings where the target population socializes and/or congregate as needed.
- Provides HIV test results to individuals who have tested for HIV, and HCV.
- Offers Partner Services to individuals who test positive for HIV
- Performs follow-up risk assessments with individuals who test positive and negative for HIV to reinforce the individuals realistic perception of risk
- Collaborates with DIS (Disease Intervention Specialist) for linkage, and re-linkage to prevention services, STIs screening, and follow up.
- Maintains communication between inter, and intra-agency services providers for successful coordination of services.
- Maintains records of all activities
- Attendance at required agency meetings, and external meetings with other local providers.
- Assists in documenting program activities, and reports outcomes to DPH and the CDC as required by entering data into EvaluationWeb
- Training to provide Hepatitis C and HIV Testing and Counseling certification.
- Community outreach and education
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public health or equivalent preferred.
Experience: Minimum of two (2) years Patient Navigator, Case Management, Education or Human Services and great customer service experience is preferred. Experience in HIV/AIDS services is preferred. Excellent working knowledge of New Haven community and social and health service agencies is preferred. Experience with the LGBTQ, African American, Latino and low income populations. Specialized training or experience in HIV prevention interventions, PrEP/PEP, and STIs. Experience working with youth and persons at high-risk for HIV infection. Experience working with substance abuse, socially, ethnically and economically diverse populations. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. Must demonstrate sound judgement and initiative. Experience in any educator role is preferred.
Language Ability: English/Spanish preferred. Ability to read and interpret documents
Knowledge/Abilities: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of computer applications and great phone etiquette is a must. Ability to multitask, work well in teams, and be highly detailed orientated. Being respectful and culturally competent is also needed, along with being compassionate and identifying with patient needs and concerns. Must have knowledge of PrEP and ability to educate about PrEP. Ability to complete PrEP Navigator Training is also a must. Knowledge of HIPAA and be able to communicate knowledge about disease (HIV, HCV, and STDs). Knowledge of social services and referrals for patients. Must be comfortable working in a clinical setting with providers and medical personnel.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand or sit for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal to high volumes of stress.
May work occassional weekends and evenings for outreach activities
Travel within the State of Connecticut is required on a regular basis with possible occasional travel outside the state.