HIV Peer Specialist

Healthcare Connection•Cincinnati, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The HealthCare Connection (THCC) is seeking an EHE Outreach Specialist to support its HIV Programs. This role is crucial for identifying, engaging, and connecting individuals living with HIV to a wide range of care and support services, including Infectious Disease, Dental, Vision, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, Behavioral Health, and Primary Care. The specialist will conduct Ohio Department of Health CTR HIV testing, provide educational support to individuals and groups, and lead community outreach initiatives. The goal is to strengthen connections to care, reduce treatment barriers, and improve access to essential medical and social services, ultimately enhancing patient and community health outcomes.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Knowledge of community resources and service systems.
Experience working with diverse patient populations.
Experience working with marginalized populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and/or individuals receiving behavioral health services.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with HIV preferred.
Knowledge of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and HIV prevention services, including PrEP and PEP services.
Experience with trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles.
Familiarity with cultural competency practices and frameworks.
Bilingual skills (Spanish) preferred, but not required.
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach and education on HIV prevention, treatment, PrEP, and PEP for diverse and underserved populations.
Complete screenings, biopsychosocial assessments, and intake to connect patients to THCC’s continuum of services.
Provide Ohio Department of Health Counseling, Testing, and Referral (CTR) services in clinic and community settings (must have CTR license or be willing to obtain within six months of hire).
Collect and enter required program data into designated databases and electronic health record systems.
Link newly diagnosed individuals and persons out of care to HIV medical care, Ryan White services, and other supportive services within established program timeframes.
Conduct follow-up activities to support retention in care and re-engagement of individuals who have fallen out of HIV care.
Identify and reduce barriers to care, including financial, transportation, housing, language, and cultural challenges, by linking patients to appropriate resources.
Engage populations experiencing significant health disparities, including refugees, sex workers, people who use injection drugs, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other vulnerable communities.
Educate patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, chronic disease self-management, HIV care, PrEP adherence, and substance use recovery strategies.
Monitor patient progress, provide follow-up, and advocate for timely, appropriate, and patient-centered care.
Conduct follow-up activities to support retention in care and re-engagement of individuals who have fallen out of HIV care.
Build and maintain collaborative partnerships through cross-agency activities, community outreach, and participation in Ryan White workgroups.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of patient interactions, services provided, and support activities.
Assist with grant reporting requirements by ensuring timely and accurate documentation of outreach, testing, linkage, and engagement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.