Retention Outreach Specialist

APLA Health•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$27 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, PSS/MCC, the Retention Outreach Specialist plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates activities to reengage people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who have fallen out of care. The specialist collaborates with the MCC and PSS teams to identify patients eligible for MCC services and promote improved health outcomes. This is a primarily field-based role involving outreach in the community and work in the office to provide linkage-to-care services. The position is hybrid, based in Los Angeles, and requires frequent driving throughout Los Angeles County. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The role requires daily computer use and occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting, and moving office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. A valid California driver’s license, proof of auto liability insurance, and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposes are required. COVID vaccination is required, with medical or religious exemptions accepted.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; or an associate degree with at least two years of equivalent work experience in health care or health education conducting outreach to vulnerable populations to improve health outcomes; or a vocational nurse (LVN) license.
Ability to work with culturally diverse communities in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to people with differing values and behavioral norms.
Ability to serve individuals from diverse economic, social, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of local community resources and health and social service systems, and ability to establish working relationships with community partners.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques, including motivational interviewing.
Knowledge of psychosocial and mental health factors affecting quality of life and of data management.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment, and substance use disorders.
Knowledge of health education principles and program evaluation.
Ability to identify and implement outreach and engagement strategies.
Ability to respond effectively to client crisis situations and interview and assess client needs.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse populations.
Ability to work under tight deadlines, coordinate multiple tasks, learn specific systems quickly, and meet assigned deadlines.
Ability to identify and update community resources.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Valid California driver’s license, proof of auto liability insurance, and use of a personal vehicle for work-related purposes.
COVID vaccination, unless covered by a medical or religious exemption.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a nonprofit environment.
Specific training or experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS.
At least two years of experience in outreach or community work with people who have medical and behavioral health conditions and social or interpersonal complexities.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate patient-retention interventions to locate PLWHA who are out of care.
Collaborate with MCC and PSS teams to locate patients who have fallen out of HIV medical care by conducting outreach.
Schedule follow-up appointments and conduct follow-up activities to support patients’ return for care.
Coordinate and deliver patient-centered activities addressing health status, engagement, and retention in care.
Connect patients with services that help resolve socioeconomic challenges.
Develop relationships with community agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to establish referral linkages.
Enter and maintain program data, clinical documentation, and reporting forms.
Track and report monthly patient service delivery data using e2LA, and prepare demographic and statistical reports as required.
Track patient engagement and retention in medical care and document steps taken to help clients maintain access to HIV medical care.
Respond promptly to patient inquiries and provide HIV and treatment education.
Enter progress notes in client-level database systems regarding client disposition, referrals, contact information, case manager assignments, and related updates.
Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with APLA policies and procedures.
Contact appropriate professionals to help determine clients’ needs and eligibility for services.
Monitor referrals and follow up when additional advocacy is needed.
Attend staff, MCC, PSS, case-conferencing, and other required meetings, and contribute to program review and improvement.
Attend in-services, conferences, and workshops to expand capacity to meet program goals and objectives.
Provide written and statistical reports as needed.