Infectious Disease Outreach Navigator

Carolina Health Centers, Inc. • Greenwood, SC

1d

About The Position

The Infectious Disease Outreach Navigator will provide comprehensive community-based outreach, education, and promotion of HIV and HEP-C rapid testing, prevention, and information regarding PrEP and related services available through Carolina Health Centers. This includes patient education and outreach in the areas of HIV/HEP-C prevention, testing, treatment, and linkage to care. Once connected with the system of care, the Infectious Disease Coordinator will assist patients in effectively engaging with the healthcare system and promote retention and improved health outcomes.

Requirements

• All employees of Carolina Health Centers, Inc. are expected to perform the duties of their job and behave in a manner consistent with the Corporate Philosophy which supports the values of: respect, honesty, integrity, openness, transparency, diversity, equity, inclusion, stewardship, and innovation.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred, preferably with a focus in public relations, public health, psychology, social work, or related field, this may be substituted with:
• At least two years of experience in a position involving patient/public contact, preferably in the arena of HIV prevention/treatment/education in an AIDS service organization, behavioral health agency, medical setting, or social service agency
• Fluency in oral and written English required
• Reliable transportation in order to travel in Carolina Health Center’s service area
• None required

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish desired.
• Knowledge of HIV prevention through seminar and coursework
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally in a professional manner and style, and the ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and educational levels
• Cultural competence with the target population, including those at risk of acquiring HIV/HEP-C or living with HIV/HEP-C
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with patients, staff, community partners, and the public
• Knowledge of or ability to obtain knowledge of community resources
• Compile and analyze data
• Manage long-term projects
• Work with staff members and outside partners across many different settings
• Confidence working alone and, in a team
• Solution-focused, goal oriented
• Able to push, pull, reach, sit, stoop, and stretch
• Have full range of body motion
• Have the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a computer, telephone, and copier
• Required to talk and hear
• Vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Noise levels in the work environment are quiet to moderate

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive community-based outreach, education, and promotion of HIV testing, HIV prevention, and PrEP and related services available through the health center
• Accurately document all patient interactions in the electronic health record
• Strengthen community partnerships to identify high-risk populations and ensure use of culturally appropriate approaches to engage communities at risk for HIV, including partnerships with opioid treatment programs, medication-assisted treatment providers, organizations providing counseling and behavioral therapy, SSPs, housing programs, faith-based organizations, community centers, the local health department, State Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), AIDS service organizations, community-based service organizations, and non-traditional communities (i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous, Domestic Violence Groups, Homeless Shelters, etc.).
• Assist people at risk for acquiring HIV in completing HIV testing and engaging or re-engaging with the system of care including HIV prevention services, HIV treatment, and medical services, as appropriate
• Educate one-on-one with patients, and community members to promote HIV/HEP-C knowledge by teaching basics, including prevention strategies; helping patients improve communication with medical providers; educating patients regarding the potential of PrEP to substantially reduce the risk of acquiring HIV; educating patients living with HIV regarding the importance of engaging and remaining in care, viral load, CD4, etc.; and problem solving with patients to help make individual adherence plans
• Support PrEP access and adherence through education and counseling
• Organize and participate in community health fair events to attract and enroll community members; raise awareness of HIV, PrEP, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP); and provide HIV prevention education, as directed
• Perform other related duties incidental to work discussed herein

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees