JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Services

Screen participants for eligibility to T-SHARP research program or other programs available at Care Resource.

Enroll eligible participants into T-SHARP and programs at Care Resource.

Provide peer services in the community to participants of T-SHARP including coordinating virtual and in-person medical appointments, providing support services to participants to resolve any barriers to care, collect blood and urine samples from participants on location for ongoing monitoring of lab values, pick-up and deliver medications to participants, assess and identify the needs of participants linking them to appropriate resources, document services within electronic health record or applicable data collection platform.

Safe Syringe Exchange

Enroll participants in safe syringe exchange program.

Distribution of harm reduction materials including Naloxone kits.

Maintain supplies of mobile or fixed site for syringe exchange, HIV/HCV testing, harm reduction, and health promotion and linkage.

Assure the accuracy of electronic records to track the engagement and retention of HIV/HCV positive clients in healthcare or treatment for substance use disorders.

Distribute and educate participants on harm reduction interventions.

Interact with community partners for the delivery and referral of participants based on their needs.

Health Promotion

Conducts outreach activities in target communities to provide and promote agency services.

Actively assists supervisor in identifying new venues and testing sites to conduct activities.

Performs promotional and educational activities to link participants to Health Center services.

Actively participates in health fairs promoting services and encouraging participants to engage in care.

Testing and Counseling

Provides pre and post test counseling for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health screenings as required.

Performs HIV and STI testing on clients by drawing blood or securing a blood, urine or saliva sample (OraSure or OraQuick Advance) and follows all manufacturer’s instructions for the testing technology used.

Performs health screenings (i.e., blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol) as instructed.

Complies with monthly productivity standards in relation to number of tests, outreach, etc, as determined by management.

Creates a supportive atmosphere in which to conduct testing.

Attends Health Promotion and Prevention monthly meetings and training.

Performs risk assessments for substance abuse and high-risk behaviors according to agency and funders standards.

Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.

Maintains the area used for activities by cleaning before and after activities.

Maintains proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.

Referrals and Access to Treatment

Works with Outreach Workers and other agency staff to link clients testing positive to HIV primary care, other medical, dental, or psychosocial care as determined.

Makes other referrals to the appropriate services and service providers as needed. (Food Stamps, Domestic Violence, Substance use treatment & Mental Health Counseling, etc.)

Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.

Documentation, Compliance and Quality Assurance

Inputs client information and productivity data using software assigned (e.g. RedCap) by deadline established.

Processes all progress notes and client admissions and discharges daily.

Maintains Timely, Accurate, Legible and Clear chart documentation according to agency requirements.

Complies with all data forms and report submission as required by agency funders and government entities (i.e. DOH, CDC, United Way, T-SHARP).

Participates in programmatic site visits and monitoring's when required.

Participates in routine, periodic program QA activities.

Drives the mobile unit to outreach sites as required by supervisor.

Complies with all safety protocols as well as cleaning and maintenance schedules for mobile units and testing site locations.

Maintains proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.

Completes mobile unit check lists before and after use as well as reports any incidents promptly following agency procedures.

Participates in staff training sessions as required by the agency and the funding source.

Participates in agency developmental activities as requested.

Other duties as assigned.

Safety

Ensure proper hand washing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Ensures each new client receives screening for their risk for suicide.

Understands and appropriately acts upon assigned role in Emergency Code System

Understands and performs assigned role in Agency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

Culture of Service: 3 C’s

Compassion

Greets internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) with courtesy, making eye contact, responding with a proper tone and nonverbal language.

Listens to internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) attentively, reassuring an understanding of the request and providing appropriate options or resolutions.

Competency

Provides services required by following established protocols and when needed, procures additional help to answer questions to ensure appropriate services are delivered.

Commitment

Takes initiative and anticipates internal or external customer needs by engaging them in the process and following up as needed.

Prioritize internal or external customer (i.e., patient, client, staff, vendor) requests to ensure prompt and effective response is provided.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

High school diploma is required. College education in the health or social services field preferred.

Training and Experience:

Two years of related experience and HIV 104, HIV 500, HIV 501 training are required. Health screening training by Orasure Technologies for HIV and HEP C testing are highly desired. Knowledgeable of harm reduction interventions and processes, complete required trainings, enroll, and receive approval under Research Grant T-SHARP.

Licenses and/or certifications:

Phlebotomy, CPR, proper driver license and clean driving record for mobile unit operation are required. Peer Specialist Certification within one year of employment. Must pass pre-employment criminal background check according to Department of Children and Families regulations and Florida Statutes.

Job Knowledge and Skills:

Bilingual (English, Spanish/ English-Creole) is preferred. Being informed regarding specific HIV transmission risks and bloodborne pathogens. Computer knowledge should include Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent communication, organizational and teamwork skills. Knowledge of counseling techniques, active listening and skills building techniques required. The ability to work with multicultural and diverse population is required.

Contact Responsibility:

The responsibility for internal and external contacts is frequent and important.

Other:

Own transportation required. Driving at least a 27 ft. mobile unit might be required.

Availability to work nights and weekends based on program needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires the following physical activities: frequent sitting, bending, standing, driving, walking, talking in person and talking on the phone. Occasional stretching/reaching and exposure to blood borne pathogens. Work is performed in an office setting and community outreach sites.