Phlebotomist/Test Counselor

Harlem United Community AIDS Center Inc•New York, NY

About The Position

The Phlebotomist/Test Counselor will perform daily activities of Testing Services in-house testing program with patients regardless of HIV status. The Phlebotomist/Test Counselor is responsible for obtaining venipuctures and capillary specimens. They are also responsible for processing specimens, as required. Incumbent will be responsible to prepare patient and collection equipment according to established procedures for blood collection and instruct patients on proper collection of urine specimens. The Phlebotomist/Test Counselor conducts rapid HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings on-site at Harlem United locations, at community-based settings, including SROs, shelters, and public housing developments, and on the Harlem United testing van, throughout East/Central Harlem and other targeted locations throughout NYC. The Phlebotomist/Test Counselor provides HIV/STI education and risk reduction counseling. The candidate delivers rapid test results, conducts confirmatory testing as needed, and delivers STI screening results. They work directly with Patient Navigators to provide navigation services with clients in need of medical care/treatment, mental health services, and other social services as required. Conduct PCRS and refer to NYCDOHMH CNAP as needed.

Requirements

Phlebotomy certification required.
Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years related work experience. A high school diploma OR GED equivalent with 2-3 years’ experience in HIV testing programs will substitute for a bachelor’s degree. Must be comfortable and experienced in working with communities served by this program, including people experiencing homelessness, sex workers, people who use drugs, queer youth, and people of trans experience.
A current NYS Driver’s License required.
Phlebotomy certification required.
Must be able to perform NYS Domestic Violence Screening (HU will refer to training, as necessary)
Must be knowledgeable about HIV, HCV, harm reduction, substance use, and sex-positive counseling.
Knowledgeable about PrEP and PEP.
Knowledgeable about HIV infection, transmission, and treatment; knowledgeable in local, state, and federal laws regarding HIV and other relevant issues of providing health care, especially the right to privacy and confidentiality.
Must possess active listening and good interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior risk reduction and/or health education counseling work experience, knowledge of HIV testing service programming preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct targeted outreach and provide rapid HIV tests to residents of East and Central Harlem and targeted venues throughout NYC, largely focused towards serving LGBTQ individuals. Conduct confirmatory testing of individuals testing preliminary positive.
Ensure clients receive confirmatory test results by offering to deliver results a convenient place and time of the clients choosing, or coordinate escort services to bring the client to a convenient HU location.
Counsel all HIV positive individuals on partner notification. Refer client to PCRS Counselor/Clinical Supervisor for short-term crisis counseling on issues related to living with HIV, disclosure, care, etc. Provide referral to NYCDOHMH CNAP as required.
Maintain appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all HIV, HCV and STI testing services and service coordination.
Available to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
Conduct STI screenings (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C).
Obtain venipuctures and capillary specimens, processing specimens, as required.
Prepare patient and collection equipment according to established procedures for blood collection.
Maintain appropriate, accurate and clear documentation of all STI screening services and service coordination.
Ensure clients receive STI screening results by offering to deliver results a convenient place and time of the client’s choosing, or coordinate transportation services to bring the client to a convenient HU location.
Work with on-site medical staff or Business Development to coordinate initial medical appointment for all individuals with reactive STI results.
Counsel all STI reactive individuals on risk reduction practices, partner notification.
Conduct PrEP/PEP screenings and brief risk interventions for all individuals who test negative for HIV.
Work in collaboration with patient navigation staff to coordinate navigation to medical care, including iART as indicated, including scheduling clinic appointments, reminders, accompaniments and other related activities as needed to engage community members in medical care, and to additional resources that ensure retention in care and services.
Refer to medical benefits enrollment for ADAP, Medicaid, ACA insurance and other needed benefits.
Assist with referrals and navigation to additional social services, including harm reduction, general medical, insurance, case management, mental health, housing, treatment adherence, and other supportive services.
Ensure the maintenance of appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all testing, education, navigation outreach and other client activities in client charts.
Input data entry for all required documentation into eSHARE data entry system or AIRS data system upon service completion. Enter data into HU eIcare database as needed.
Participate in agency-wide events as assigned.
Participate in outreach strategy planning meetings.
Other duties as assigned.