HIV Prevention Advocate (69078)

Department: HIV and Viral Hepatitis Services

Position: HIV Prevention Advocate

Employee Category: Non-Exempt

Reporting Relationship: Community Outreach Program Supervisor

Character Qualities:

• Attentiveness- Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration.
• Dependability- Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
• Flexibility- Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset.
• Initiative- Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.
• Persuasiveness- Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.
• Compassion- Investing whatever is necessary in healing the hurts of others.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The HIV Prevention Advocate’s focus is to conduct HIV, Hep C and Syphilis testing and counseling. Must have the ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects. The HIV Prevention Advocate will engage new and existing patients in HIV prevention services, identifying those at risk using validated screening tools, and facilitating access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent new infections. The HIV Prevention Advocate will demonstrate the ability to work with community collaborations and participate in outreach events, such as PRIDE.  

Note: The HIV Prevention Advocate is a grant funded position and may not continue past the end of the grant funding. However, every effort will be made to find an equal match in open positions within the same qualifications.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conducts Rapid HIV testing and counseling as needed at any Variety Care location.
2. Conducts Rapid Hepatitis C testing and counseling as needed at any Variety Care location.
3. Conducts other testing (if available) including Syphilis and GC/CT testing and counseling as needed at any Variety Care location.
4. Provides HIV prevention education for patients in regard to PrEP for those who test negative, refer to Variety Care for PrEP medications.
5. Provides HIV prevention education for patients in regard to PEP for those who qualify, refer to Variety Care for PEP medications.
6. Link patients with referral sources for PrEP or PEP medications if not available within Variety Care.
7. Links HIV positive patients to Variety Care or other facility for HIV treatment.
8. Links Hep C positive patients to Variety Care or other facility for Hep C treatment.
9. Maintains and seeks to grow community partnerships and collaborations.
10. Works with Non-Variety Care agencies supporting HIV+ community to improve testing, treatment and prevention strategies as well as to improve linkage to care.
11. Coordinates with clinical/support staff for public awareness, special events, and outreach, as needed and directed.
12. Participates in outreach events, such as PRIDE including evenings and weekends if needed.
13. Coordinates with the supervisor regarding advertising and community awareness for all locations; serve as liaison between outreach and health centers to deliver outreach collateral.
14. Maintains public presence for Variety Care by continually updating resources, contacts, and other outside personnel.
15. Attends community events and meetings - evening and weekend, as needed.
16. Supports Variety Care’s accreditation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and our commitment to provide care to all Variety patients that is Safe, Effective, Patient Centered, Timely, Efficient, and Equitable. Provide leadership and work with all staff to achieve the goals of the “Triple Aim” of healthcare reform—to improve the experience of care, improve health outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs.
17. Embodies the strength of personal character. Places value on being an open and honest communicator who displays high moral and ethical conduct, integrity, adaptability, and sound judgment. Must be a leader in the department and community. Result-oriented problem solver who is responsible and accountable.
18. Travel as needed including to other Variety Care health centers for HIV testing, counseling, or linkage to care purposes. Overnight stay possible. Mileage is reimbursed as per policy.
19. Reviews assigned Encounters within the EMR in a timely manner.
20. Create EMR encounter for all Rapid testing visits as well as entering all testing results from each testing encounter.
21. Enter Rapid Testing results into OK state STI database (PHIDDO).
22. Keep/Maintain updated testing log and test kit inventory.
23. Request/order test kits as needed based on inventory.
24. Maintain and update online scheduling template based on available testing days/times.
25. Participates in training programs to improve patient care, such as learning and practicing evidence- based practice approaches to care.
26. Addresses the needs of patients and families in the health center.
27. Considers cultural sensitivity and utilizes effective communication skills.
28. Disposes of contaminated items or expired test kits in accordance to Variety Care policy.
29. Follows “Universal Precautions” for safety regulations; uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as task on hand requires.
30. Follows the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines and VARIETY CARE policies and procedures as they relate to privacy and confidentiality.
31. Complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations for the workplace.
32. Supports plan of care and patient education in line with provider’s recommendations.
33. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

1. Able to lift at least 25 pounds.
2. Able to assist patients onto and off of exam table when asked or directed.

Requirements, Special Skills or Knowledge:

1. High School Diploma (or GED)
2. Ability to travel off-peak hours.
3. Expert interpersonal skills.
4. Experience leading projects and be a team player.
5. Demonstrates ability to obtain and record accurate information.
6. Ability to use or willing to learn electronic medical records software.
7. Intermediate computer skills including data entry and typing.
8. Ability to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the licensed Provider, an ability to perform tasks, has knowledge of instrumentation used in lab point of care testing, as directed within 90 days.
9. Experience communicating with the patient population.
10. Experience working in a multi-faceted, fast paced work environment.
11. Experience maintaining confidentiality of information private and in accordance with HIPAA and Variety Care policy.
12. Must possess and maintain a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. The employee provides own transportation and must have proof of liability insurance also required. Mileage reimbursement is provided at the Federal rate.

Preferred Skills or Knowledge:

1. Experience working with the HIV community.
2. Working experience in related field.
3. Have taken CTR training offered by OSDH.