General Description:

The Linkage to Care Specialist works with newly diagnosed HIV clients or those re-establishing care. This position maintains close working relationships the other programs in the Community Outreach team and is expected to comply with service delivery standards in accordance with the standards of care and Agency, departmental and funder policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities of the Job:

• Assesses readiness for medical care.
• Collaborates with clients to establish a medical home by making medical appointments.
• Manages and follows up to ensure clients attend medical appointments.
• Assists clients with development and implementation of short-term care plan.

Assists clients in identifying needs and barriers, and provides referrals as needed.

• Graduates clients and facilitates transfer to case management services after medical care

treatment is firmly established.

• Assesses and applies incentives to increase active participation and session attendance.
• Maintains flexibility for mobile service delivery, meeting clients where they are most

accessible.

• Conducts rapid and confirmatory HIV, hepatitis C, and STI testing according to protocol with people from the priority population at high risk for HIV. Finger stick and whole blood collection required.
• Manages site development and relationship building including site selection, obtaining

necessary approvals, and scheduling.

• Manages recruitment and enrollment of population of focus for participation in selected

interventions.

• Conducts the Social Networking Strategies intervention to assist the clients (recruiters) to identify partners and associates in need of HIV testing.
• Conducts outreach to priority population.
• Conducts evidence-based interventions as required.
• Conducts individual risk assessments
• Conducts strengths-based client needs assessments and makes appropriate referrals for interventions, testing, immunizations, case management, PrEP, and/or treatment.
• Assists with adherence support/counseling.
• Assists clients to enroll in health insurance through the marketplace.
• Assists in the coordination of behavioral intervention and treatment services provided by Prism Health North Texas and/or collaborating organizations.
• Enters data into requisite databases.
• Travels statewide to Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities to enroll clients

into the evidence-based intervention.

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Completes volunteer training through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to acquire access to state prisons and maintains certification throughout employment.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Job Requirements:

Working knowledge of hepatitis, tuberculosis, STI’s and HIV/AIDS.
Ability to plan, organize, set objectives, and meet critical deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of community resources and ability to network.
Ability to develop trusting relationships and rapport with vulnerable populations.
Knowledge of behavior change strategies.
Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and databases.
Dependable transportation, Texas Driver’s License, and active auto liability insurance.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or related fields. Significant experience in the relevant field may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Must have 2 years’ experience in behavioral health or social service and one year experience working with the priority population.
• Bilingual preferred.