Linkage to Care Specialist

Los Angeles LGBT Center • Los Angeles, CA

3d • $26 - $32

About The Position

The Linkage to Care Specialist works under the supervision of the Manager of HIV Prevention and Linkage to ensure linkage to and retention in medical care for newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, PrEP patients, and patients at risk. The role supports clients in accessing health, mental health, and ancillary services, addressing barriers to care, and connecting with relevant Center programs and community resources.

The position also coordinates care and referrals, provides enrollment and case-management support, conducts field investigations, maintains client and study documentation, and may screen and enroll patients in research studies in accordance with established protocols and Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies. The role is part of Community Health Programs in the Health Services Department.

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 referrals.
• 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.
• 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 forms, service selection, and appointment scheduling.
• Educate clients about services available through the Center and in Los Angeles County, and assist with program enrollment based on their needs.
• Coordinate financial screening, initial medical visits, and other services, including mental health care, 12-step programs, legal aid, housing assistance, general relief, and support services.
• Provide benefit 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 in care through community partners and external resources.
• Collaborate and follow through with the Department, other Center programs, and external organizations to identify possible patients, establish or re-establish care, and improve retention.
• Coordinate with clinical staff, including Health Services nursing and psychosocial case management, to ensure continuity of care after medical visits.
• Conduct field investigations at Center locations and in patients’ homes, neighborhoods, shelters, or other sites 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 collection, enrollment, tracking, 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 for 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
• Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What This Job Offers

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