Reporting to the Linkage to Care Supervisor and part of the HIV Services Department, the CTR Counselor is responsible for providing HIV counseling and testing and prevention services to clients of the clinic and community. This position works very closely with the various clinical departments to design services specific to the needs of the department and community partner providers and the patients for whom they serve.

Contacts and interactions vary and may involve multiple constituencies such as direct interaction with THC’s executive management, community organizers, the general public, THC’s patients, physicians, colleagues, assigned staff, vendors, contractors and consultants for the purpose of providing and exchanging information.

Example of Essential Job Functions

• Ability to establish relationships with providers and key personnel throughout the system of care, as well as, relationships with outside agencies in order to assist with rapid testing.
• Provides on-site Rapid HIV testing to referred individuals identified by treatment providers, community partners, and during community Outreach Events.
• Refers any positive results to the relevant county/state Department of Health.
• Provide Pre/Post-test counseling for any HIV testing through the CTR program.
• Provides linkage to care services to individuals identified as HIV positive. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with Total Health Care providers and staff, as well as community agencies in order to connect required services to patients quickly.
• Gather patient data and clinical information for data entry into EHR and/or other designated data/reporting system.
• Flexible and able to work in a changing environment with a positive perspective. 

• Participates in outreach and health screening activities during events in the community.
• Schedule appointments as needed.
•  When contacting patients for upcoming appointments, accurately communicate the appointment information and any other facility-specific information needed to have a successful appointment.
• Document all contacts in a clear, concise and timely manner according to agency and departmental policy.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, training, conferences…etc.
• Works as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide tools and strategies using a patient-centered approach to support individuals being tested and linked to care.
• Work in tandem with the Outreach Coordinator to meet program goals. 
• Perform venipuncture and specimen procurement, if in possession of appropriate credentials (ie. Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, etc.) to do so.

• Behaves in accordance with THC’s customer service standards to promote patient satisfaction which includes greeting all patients and/or visitors. 
• Adheres to organizational policy and procedures, OSHA, HIPAA, and other related guidelines.
• Participates in quality initiatives and supports the organizational strategic goals

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience Required

• A minimum of a High School Diploma is required. 
• HIV Testing and Counseling Certification preferred
• Phlebotomy experience preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of FQHC operations, operating principles, guidelines and bylaws. Excellent leadership, customer service, organizational and presentation skills as well as the ability to effectively communicate THC’s vision, and motivate others to achieve it organizationally, departmentally, and personally/professionally. Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing). Ability to plan and organize work initiatives to successfully accomplish center/organizational goals and objectives. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and delegate as appropriate. Strong analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills. Ability to identify, develop and implement short/long-term strategic goals and objectives. Ability to develop and maintain customer relationships; influence, build credibility and trust. Ability to think critically as well as apply critical thinking skills. Ability to: ensure and advocate for quality healthcare and services; and, lead and manage a diverse staff. 

• Experience with the HIV/AIDS System of Care
• Experience working with drug, alcohol and mental health concerns
• Flexible hours required, including some evenings and weekends for events

Licenses/Certification Required

• Certification in HIV Counseling and Testing through the Maryland AIDS Administration; willing to train
• Cert. Medical Assistant, preferred

Physical Demands 

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls.

Ability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.

Ability to lift, carry, push or pull heavy objects in excess of 75lbs as well as squat, walk, climb, bend, crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, grasp, reach, pull and repetitive motions.