Description

POSITION SUMMARY

In 1967 West Oakland Health (WOH) was organized as an alternative healthcare facility. While its creation was not a radically new idea, it was a radical act. The idea of West Oakland Health was crafted by a group of West Oakland residents who decided that the West Oakland Health Center should reflect a tradition of Black institution building as a form of recourse to health inequality. And that should be guided by three principles: 1) provide trustworthy options for Black and low-income communities; 2) provide and model respectful and reliable medical practice that validates the experiences and needs of the community; and 3) serve as a hub for the Black community's attention to community health.

Consistent with this tradition is WOH's dedication to eliminating the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through routine screening, education, and linking patients to care through evidence-based practices. Under the general supervision of the Director of Research, Evaluation, and Community Health, the HIV Health Advocate will work with staff and community partners to find newly and previously diagnosed HIV-positive people and link them solidly with HIV Care services, especially HIV primary medical and prevention services. They will provide support, referrals, and access to services and care to newly and previously diagnosed HIV-positive people.

DUTIES

1. Follow up on all referrals received from internal staff and outside agencies.
2. Responsible for finding and linking HIV individuals into care, providing follow-up, ensuring adherence to therapy, and educating and supporting the individuals.
3. Develop a plan for each patient to enter HIV Primary Care internally and externally.
4. Conducts outreach to target populations to bring newly diagnosed and out-of-care people to services.
5. Conducts weekly/regular calls to check in with people for encouragement, to provide appointment reminders, and to reschedule missed appointments.
6. Coordinates transportation needs. Accompanied clients to appointments at other agencies as needed.
7. Conducts treatment adherence education and support in collaboration with the person's

medical provider.

1. Provides PrEP and PEP navigation assessments and support.
2. Assists with pre-authorization of PrEP or PEP.
3. Participates in staff team meetings, case conferences, and training.
4. Assists Clinic staff with necessary programmatic tasks, including presenting reports and completing monthly data and quarterly reports required by the funding agency as needed.
5. Knowledge of current HIV navigation best practices, concepts, and practical models is required.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in Healthcare, Social Welfare, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field.
2. Minimum of two years of experience providing HIV services related to this position, including experience working within underserved communities.
3. Must complete HIV Test Counselor Skills training within three months of hire.
4. Prior work-related experience with HIV populations, active substance users, homeless individuals, transgender people, men who have sex with men (MSM), and other vulnerable groups.
5. Access to reliable transportation. Willingness and ability to travel across Oakland, CA, to perform work.
6. Ability to project a positive, concerned image to the public.
7. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with preferred knowledge of Electronic Health Records.
8. Ability to remain calm and courteous in a high-stress environment.
9. Ability to work independently with a minimum of direction.
10. Excellent communication skills.
11. Excellent interpersonal and time management skills, ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities and competing demands.
12. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Attends work regularly and punctually; is readily accessible during work hours to peers; limits absences from own duty stations and limits visits and activities which distract others from their performance of duties.
2. Works cooperatively with immediate supervisor, with department members, and with other WOH staff persons, as required
3. Treats all patients /visitors with respect and courtesy.
   • Confidentiality of patient/fellow employee and supplier records
   • Patient's rights and responsibilities.
   • Professional and business ethics.
   • Continuous quality and improvement.
   • Safety and security of person and property.
   • Infection control.
   • Hazardous materials and waste.
4. Maintaining a working knowledge about and continued compliance with all those areas listed under item (3) throughout your employment with WOH.