Caseworker, (B276111-1), 206, HIV Ryan White Part C

City of Laredo•Laredo, TX

About The Position

The Ryan White Caseworker provides comprehensive case management and social services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The role develops and implements health care service plans in collaboration with clients and their families, helps clients access medical and supportive services, addresses barriers to care, advocates for clients, monitors progress, and maintains confidentiality. This position is grant funded and depends solely on the availability of grant funds. The Caseworker conducts HIV and STI testing and education in clinic and community settings, performs assessments and risk-reduction counseling, develops individualized prevention plans, and links clients to appropriate medical and social services. The position also supports applications for PrEP and PEP assistance, collects and prepares specimens, provides test results, conducts outreach, maintains client records and program data, and prepares reports. Services are delivered respectfully, confidentially, and in a culturally appropriate, nonjudgmental manner. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and at least three years of experience in casework management or a related field. A valid Texas Driver License is required; an out-of-state license must be replaced with a Texas license within six months of employment. A social work license or a Texas professional license in substance abuse counseling is desirable. A TB test or screening is required before employment. The employee may be required to drive a City vehicle for City business.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
At least three years of experience in casework management or a related field.
Valid Texas Driver License; applicants with an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas license within six months of employment.
Ability to administer HIV rapid testing devices.
Knowledge of case management, HIV/AIDS and STI testing and health education, health prevention and wellness, community resources, and health care delivery systems.
Knowledge of social and cultural behavior, community organizations, educational and outreach tools, client confidentiality, HIPAA, and client rights.
Ability to communicate, connect, and collaborate with local, regional, and national organizations and work effectively as a team member.
Ability to manage time and multiple responsibilities, use tact and judgment, assess client situations, apply case management procedures, and prepare reports and recommendations.
Ability to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing, and in Spanish orally.
Ability to maintain a good driving record and maintain health and physical condition sufficient to perform the job duties.
Ability to work cooperatively with professional groups, maintain effective working relationships, respond to public complaints, and represent the City professionally.
Must present proof of TB test or screening before employment.
Applicants offered employment must complete a thorough background check and provide certified school transcripts; selected applicants must undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
Must be able to function in a principle-based organization with a culture built on character and core values.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy training.
Social Worker license issued by the State of Texas.
Temporary or Full Professional License in a substance abuse counseling-related field issued by the State of Texas, such as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement health care service plans through comprehensive case management, involving clients and families and ensuring clients understand and take responsibility for their plans.
Provide case management interventions and social services, including helping clients access medical care and supportive services and overcome barriers to care.
Conduct HIV and STI testing in clinic and community settings, including rapid testing and venipuncture; provide test results and risk-reduction education.
Conduct assessments, interviews, screenings, and brief risk assessments; use standardized tools to identify client needs and barriers.
Provide harm-reduction counseling related to substance use, sexual health risks, and mental health, and help clients develop individualized prevention plans.
Assist clients with PrEP and PEP patient assistance applications, gather required documentation, and conduct follow-ups.
Collect and process blood and STI specimens and prepare specimens for laboratory processing.
Provide clear, current, accurate, respectful, and culturally appropriate HIV and STI information and education to clients and community members, including outreach to people at high risk for HIV infection.
Identify people who know they are HIV-positive but are not receiving HIV medical care through referrals, missed-appointment information, and outreach at community organizations and venues.
Interview and screen clients, describe available resources, and refer them to appropriate medical and social service organizations.
Visit clients at their residences when they miss office, medical, or follow-up appointments.
Provide crisis and short-term intervention as needed and link clients requiring immediate crisis counseling to licensed professionals.
Advocate for clients and their rights within the health care system and the community.
Monitor client progress and charts, determine whether care plans need modification, and ensure records are properly documented.
Document contacts, services, client progress, and needs; maintain client files and enter data into program database systems.
Prepare program-level reports and monthly narrative reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with department protocols and applicable client-rights requirements.
Complete continuing education required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and comply with City and program policies and procedures.
Follow telephone courtesy requirements, maintain effective working relationships, and perform other duties as assigned.
Drive a City vehicle for City business when required.