HIV Peer Specialist

The Healthcare Conne•Cincinnati, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The EHE Outreach Specialist plays a vital role in supporting The HealthCare Connection’s (THCC) HIV Programs by identifying, engaging, and linking individuals living with HIV to a comprehensive network of care and support services. These services include Infectious Disease, Dental, Vision, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, Behavioral Health, Primary Care, and more. This position is responsible for conducting Ohio Department of Health CTR HIV testing, providing capacity-building education and support to individuals and groups, leading and participating in community outreach and engagement initiatives. The HIV Outreach & Navigation Specialist works to strengthen connections to care, reduce barriers to treatment, and improve access to essential medical and social services, ultimately helping to achieve better health outcomes for patients and the community.

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.