Linkage to Care Specialist

Los Angeles LGBT Center • Los Angeles, CA

3d

About The Position

The Linkage to Care Specialist works under the supervision of the Manager of HIV Prevention and Linkage to support linkage to and retention in medical care for newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, PrEP patients, and at-risk patients. The role provides direct assistance, education, coordination, enrollment support, case management, and follow-through to help clients access health, mental health, and other relevant services and overcome barriers to care.

The specialist collaborates with Center departments, clinical staff, community partners, and external organizations. The position also includes field investigations and visits, accurate documentation and reporting, and participation in research activities under established protocols and Institutional Review Board policies. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position is non-exempt and union. A $2.00-per-hour shift differential applies to hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Requirements

• Knowledge of or experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues relevant to LGBTQ people.
• Passion for the Center’s work and its mission to improve the lives of LGBTQ people.
• At least 2 years of experience in HIV/STD prevention or a related field.
• Experience and interest in working with the target population and addressing patients’ specific needs.
• Knowledge of HIV/STD infection, transmission, and prevention.
• Knowledge of community resources and referrals for HIV/STDs, mental health, case management, insurance regulations, and other client-centered needs.
• Obtain CPR (BCLS) certification within 60 days of hire.
• Obtain state-certified HIV pre/post-test counselor certification within 60 days of hire.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, database operations, spreadsheets, and other software systems.
• Reliable transportation and ability to be insured.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration statuses, and physical abilities in a multicultural environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills; ASL, English, and Spanish fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist HIV-positive patients, PrEP patients, and at-risk patients in person, by phone, text, or email with linkage to and retention in health, mental health, and ancillary services, including form completion, service selection, and appointment scheduling.
• Educate clients about services available through the Center and in Los Angeles County, and assist with relevant program enrollment.
• Coordinate financial screening, initial medical visits, and other services such as mental health care, 12-step programs, legal aid, housing assistance, general relief, and support services.
• Provide benefits and insurance enrollment, financial screening, case management, and counseling support until clients successfully link to care.
• Assess and help mitigate barriers to care, including physical or mental ability, transportation, and ability to use technology; locate patients and support re-engagement through community partners and external resources.
• Collaborate and follow through with the Department, other Center programs, and external organizations to identify patients, establish or re-establish care, and improve retention.
• Coordinate with clinical staff, including Health Services nursing and psychosocial case management, to support continuity of care after medical visits.
• Conduct field investigations and site visits to Center locations, patients’ homes, neighborhoods, shelters, and other locations to locate and notify patients of test results and referrals for medical evaluation and treatment.
• Develop referral linkages by networking with community agencies and external organizations.
• Enter and maintain accurate data, enrollment and tracking information, clinical documentation, and reporting forms.
• Follow established protocols to conduct screening interviews, explain research protocols, obtain informed consent, and enroll patients in research studies when appropriate.
• Comply with Institutional Review Board standards and policies in study activities.
• Participate in staff and other required meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed