Peer Navigator

CAN Community Health Inc.•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Peer Navigator helps people living with HIV navigate related challenges by building rapport, sharing relevant lived experience, and identifying clients’ needs. The role supports client education to improve adherence to medical protocols, coping skills, and quality of life, while coordinating with medical teams, case management, patient care coordinators, and other staff. The Peer Navigator must be comfortable disclosing their HIV status to clients and relevant staff and must maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA. The position assesses clients’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, needs, adherence, and ability or willingness to take antiretroviral therapy; connects clients with services; helps address barriers to care; and provides HIV education and sexual risk-reduction counseling. The role also coordinates and documents care, follows up on missed appointments, facilitates peer groups and events, participates in relevant meetings and quality improvement, and promotes the organization’s mission and values. Travel between facilities and outside agencies is required.

Requirements

Relevant HIV experience is required.
Understanding of how HIV is transmitted and prevented, and familiarity with antiretroviral therapy.
Ability to navigate cultural differences and work with persons of color and members of the LGBTQ community.
Ability to work independently with accountability and minimal direct supervision.
Sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with patients, visitors, colleagues, and supervisors.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with social media.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
Demonstrated oral and written communication, organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to travel between facilities and outside agencies.
Neat, professional appearance.
Light physical activity: exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly; primarily sitting, with possible brief periods of walking or standing.
Ability to express or exchange ideas through spoken words, with visual and auditory acuity.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability is preferred.
Experience as an outreach worker or case manager is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement the core values of the Peer Navigator program.
Assess and address clients’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding HIV.
Assess clients’ adherence, willingness, and abilities regarding antiretroviral therapy.
Assess clients’ needs and create referrals for services.
Help clients develop strategies to overcome barriers to care.
Educate clients about support groups, educational opportunities, the 340B Program, and pharmacy choices.
Address a prevention care plan to improve overall health.
Review case notes, laboratory results, and medical encounters to coordinate care.
Provide HIV education and sexual risk-reduction counseling regarding HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Document all client interactions and activities in the EMR system.
Communicate with the medical team, case management, and others through Qliq email.
Plan, attend, and facilitate peer-related groups and events.
Work with a multidisciplinary team and participate in QAQI, interdisciplinary care, and other relevant meetings.
Maintain knowledge of medical terminology and practices pertinent to HIV care.
Follow up with clients who miss appointments and provide appointment reminders.
Submit reports in a timely fashion.
Promote and practice CAN Community Health, Inc.’s mission and values and follow its policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and client information in accordance with HIPAA.
Participate in continuous quality improvement of services to CAN Community Health clients.
Develop and foster networking relationships with community and support resources.
May accompany clients to appointments outside of CAN.
Stay up to date with new data and science in HIV.
Participation in the HIV Speakers Bureau is encouraged.