Early Intervention Specialist 1

DAP Health•Oceanside, CA

8d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Intervention Services (EIS) Specialist identifies individuals who are living with HIV and HCV and links them into medical care as quickly as possible. These individuals are referred to EIS thought targeted testing, referral services, linkage to care referrals, and outreach services and health education/risk reduction. The elements of EIS often overlap with other service categories and departments; however, EIS is considered the combination of such services rather than a stand-alone service.

Requirements

Fluency/Excellent verbal and written communication in English
Bachelor's degree OR experience in medical or health-related fields; social work, counseling, nursing, public health, or other health education
Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross accredited BLS certification

Nice To Haves

Motivational Interviewing preferred
Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
The ideal candidate will have an interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with the substance abuse community, African American, Latino/a, LGBT communities, health care workers, youth, and/or seniors
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS disease, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis), and HCV include diagnosis, prevention, and risk-reduction strategies
Previous professional or volunteer experience working in HIV/HCV/STI prevention or care and/or delivering sexual health education or other behavior
Understanding of how related chronic and infectious diseases are transmitted and prevented as well as familiarity with Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)
Stages of Change and behavioral risk reduction

Responsibilities

Deliver individualized HIV counseling and HCV/STI education to clients who are either newly diagnosed or re-engaging in care, through DAP Health clinics and collaborative community referrals
Complete an assessment to identify social determinants of health barriers and thus utilize prevention strategies for specific infectious and chronic illnesses at time of individual visit
Educate clients and their sexual partners and/or family members on HIV prevention methods, including condom and lubricant use, harm reduction practices, and antiretroviral therapies.
Facilitate referrals to a Prevention Navigator for PEP and PrEP services for sexual partners and/or client’s family members.
Facilitate access to care by identifying and removing barriers for clients newly diagnosed with HIV or those out of care
Facilitate referrals to medical care at DAP Health services as needed
Communicate information consistent with agency standards
Remain knowledgeable about local resources and advocate for clients by helping them access and navigate community-based services
Access patient protected health information as needed.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation for all client interactions
Keep Electronic Health Records up to date as needed (HCC, Epic, and other databases)
Meet with clients on a walk-in basis to provide support, answer questions, and address immediate needs
Provide post-appointment support to clients, including assistance with in-house lab interactions to complete lab work and coordination of same-day prescription pickup
Support clients by offering updated information and referrals to insurance enrollment workers to assist with coverage applications
Connect clients with relevant internal and external resources through timely and accurate referrals
Perform other duties as assigned