Peer Advocate

Ellis Medicine • Schenectady, NY

1d • $16 - $23

About The Position

Do you have lived experience with HIV and understand the unique challenges that come with a positive diagnosis? Do you want to make a difference in your community and meet the health and wellness needs of our community with excellence? If this describes your experience, please consider applying for our HIV Peer Advocate position. WHAT DO WE OFFER? Comprehensive and affordable Health, Dental and Vision insurance that start DAY ONE ! Generous paid time off to support a work-life balance, including 6 paid holidays Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities Retirement plan in the form of a 401(3b) with company match after longevity Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account-allowing you to set aside pretax dollars to better care for your health and the health of your loved ones Free yearlong unlimited CDTA Navigator Pass including Free CDTA bike share program Employee Wellness Program Employee Assistance Program Employer paid Life Insurance (additional insurance plans also available at reduced cost) WHAT WILL YOU DO AS AN HIV PEER ADVOCATE? The HIV Peer Navigator will work alongside our Retention and Adherence Specialist and Clinical Care Coordinator to provide support and education to HIV+ patients, especially those new to the practice or at risk for adherence or retention concerns. The HIV Peer Navigator will play a key role in treatment adherence counseling and retention in care by providing personal insights and experiences. He/she will coordinate support group meetings and meet/speak with participants individually to offer advice/support to help them reach their treatment goals and achieve viral load suppression. He/she will also assist with the development/implementation of quality initiatives and linking patients to care. The HIV Peer Navigator will participate in community outreach efforts with the HIV team/Family Medicine Residents to minimize/eliminate stigma, normalize HIV care, and generally advocate for fair and equitable treatment of all HIV pts with medical specialties, political entities, and the community at large.

Requirements

• Lived experience with HIV
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Basic computer skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Basic knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS transmission, treatment and related health issues
• Ability to complete work independently as well as in collaboration with team members
• Ability to work with medical professionals in a multi-disciplinary team approach
• Familiarity with life issues facing the target population
• Show commitment to helping other people living with HIV with the ability to speak openly about his/her experiences with HIV with empathy and cultural and linguistic competency

Responsibilities

• Assist identified clients in evaluating barriers to adhering with medication and medical appointments.
• Collaborate with the patient and the medical team to develop behavior plans that will assist clients in maintaining adherence.
• Assist the healthcare team with advocacy regarding patient care that may need follow-up.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences.
• Participate in meetings and trainings as required by funder and directed by the supervisor.
• Participate in special opportunities in the community with the HIV team, such as World Aids Day, community health fairs, community informational gatherings.
• Devise community interventions to advance the agendas of the grant and the medical team, subject to the approval of the team leader and availability of resources.
• Document all services as per program policies and procedures.
• Assist with the follow-up of patients missing their scheduled medical appointments/provide outreach via follow-up phone calls.
• Assist with tracking of patient viral loads, appointments, assessments, case conferences and other workplan requirements.
• Assist with preparation, distribution, and analysis of patient satisfaction surveys.
• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Conduct follow up to service plan activities including reminder phone calls and appointment accompaniment.
• Work with the team to facilitate referrals to care management and other services as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable Health, Dental and Vision insurance that start DAY ONE !
• Generous paid time off to support a work-life balance, including 6 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Retirement plan in the form of a 401(3b) with company match after longevity
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account-allowing you to set aside pretax dollars to better care for your health and the health of your loved ones
• Free yearlong unlimited CDTA Navigator Pass including Free CDTA bike share program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid Life Insurance (additional insurance plans also available at reduced cost)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED