Linkage Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

To coordinate and deliver HIV prevention, linkage, and support services in a caring and compassionate manner, connecting individuals living with HIV and those at risk to the medical care, resources, and programs they need, including PrEP linkage, health insurance enrollment, and community outreach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Medical Care Linkage: Link individuals living with HIV to medical and supportive services.
• PrEP Linkage and Referral: Identify individuals who could benefit from PrEP and provide linkage and referral to PrEP providers and support services.
• Complete Notice of Eligibility for individuals living with HIV and manage a portfolio of case assignments.
• Document all care provided, directly or indirectly by others (i.e. referrals, services, consults, etc.)
• Maintain detailed case documentation as well as updates, evaluations, outcomes, reassessments, revisions or changes in plan with regard to agency standards of care and procedures.
• Coordinate and conduct ongoing follow-up on clients’ medical treatment through continuous assessment and reassessment.
• Help clients achieve viral suppression, wellness and autonomy.
• Health Literacy: Provide educational sessions on HIV, STD, PrEP and other program activities to community members, community professionals, and other agencies.
• Outreach Services: Conduct community street outreach for targeted Palm Beach County communities and establish/maintain partnerships between FoundCare and community partners.
• Maintain current knowledge of HIV/STD prevention and risk reduction strategies, including PrEP guidelines and best practices.
• Comply with FoundCare policies and procedures.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Maintain client and familial confidentiality.
• Attend FoundCare meetings and other meetings in the community, as assigned.
• Maintain familiarity with local community resources, including PrEP providers and related support services.
• Assist with agency fundraising activities as requested, including promoting events, selling tickets, soliciting donations and other tasks to support events.
• Assist with health insurance enrollment and maintain Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification each year
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Social Work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, with or without the use of an interpreter.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids or services.
• Ability to review, understand, and apply concepts presented in training programs, conferences, and/or professional literature.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to complete documentation and data entry accurately and efficiently in electronic systems.
• Basic computer proficiency skills, including proficient use of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to educate individuals on safe sex practices which includes but not limited to, exposure to explicit language, explicit printed material, and descriptions of explicit sexual activities as part of the agency’s mission in the prevention and transmission of the HIV and promotion of PrEP. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain annual CAC Certification – This includes completing all required training modules and passing necessary assessments or exams each year to stay current with evolving health insurance regulations, policies, and marketplace updates. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to endure short, intermittent, and/or long periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
• Accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies furnished by FoundCare, e.g. pens, pencils, calculator, computer keyboard, telephone, etc.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 25 pounds or less over periods of 100 yards.
• Ability to move and stack Prevention Department materials and supplies in storage area, including lifting materials and placing on shelves at levels 5’6” and lower.
• Ability to travel to other FoundCare locations and perform job duties.
• Ability to travel to other locations to attend meetings, workshops, and seminars, plus travel to other FoundCare departments and FoundCare conference rooms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Social Services/Education/Health Care related field and/or high school diploma/GED and two years recent experience in an applicable area of practice (medical, home care, chemical dependency, family services, mental health, sexual health, or HIV/AIDS).
• Cultural Sensitivity to diverse populations including those living with HIV and/or at increased risk for HIV.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver license, automobile insurance, and reliable automobile.
• Knowledge of community service organizations serving persons living with HIV and their families, as well as PrEP providers and resources.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of HIV 104 and HIV/AIDS 500 & 501 (Florida Department of Health approved HIV/AIDS training courses).
• Experience providing HIV prevention and linkage services, including PrEP linkage and navigation.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish and/or Creole)