Linkage/Retention to Care Specialist

Valley AIDS Council d/b/a

Westbrook Clinic Position Description Job Title:

Linkage/Retention to

Care Specialist FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

EMPLOYEE RISK FACTOR

Ill Performs tasks that do not routinely involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, and are not called on to perform or assist in emergency medical care or first aid to be potentially exposed in any other way as a condition of employment.

SUMMARY:

The Link/Retention to Care Specialist will enroll and assist clients that are newly diagnosed or that have not attended a scheduled HIV medical appointment or accessed Ryan White Case Management services in a specific period of time. Assist clients to overcome barriers that prevent them from successfully accessing HIV treatment or supportive services through client centered interventions and referrals to community resources. Will be tasked with managing a caseload of patients that have fallen out of care and work with them one on one to re-engage them to care. Through education and empowerment, the Link/Retention to Care Specialist plays a major role in keeping our clients in care and eliminating barriers and stigma contributing to better outcomes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

1.

Direct Supervisor:

Linkage and Retention to Care Program Coordinator 2.

Department Director:

Director of Client Services

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

I. None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide excellent customer service at all times to all clients, attentive, and demonstrating active listening, and compassion.
• Screen clients to determine eligibility for Ryan White services per the pre-established deadlines determined by agency policies.
• Assist clients in obtaining eligibility documentation and educate clients on the potential consequences that may result in failing to comply with eligibility requirements.

Thoroughly review and assess periodic retention reports to ensure clients are on track as per agency care guidelines and to better assist client in collaboration with case manager team. Link and re-engage people living with HIV into HIV specialty care. Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify possible barriers to care and link to appropriate resources Link and re-engage people living with HIV into social service programs such as Case Management and other support services. Assist clients with identifying and linking them to other sources of aid, which may include Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA.

• Assist clients in accessing local aid programs by supporting their ability to obtain and provide any required eligibility documentation to facilitate access to resources/ other programs.
• Educate clients on the importance of maintaining insurance coverage to ensure positive health outcomes are achieved.
• Educate clients on available services, their rights and responsibilities, which may include providing timely documentation on a consistent basis to ensure continuity of program(s) assistance in a timely manner.
• Assist clients in obtaining services by coordinating care with external providers, when applicable.
• Advocate on behalf of the client when necessary to ensure access and successful linkage to benefits and entitlements.
• At times, accompany clients to their appointments at entitlement/benefits agencies when necessary.
• Maintain client files and ensure that all necessary documentation is entered in a timely manner.
• Must track a client's adherence to medical appointments and obtain basic client data to locate and re-link to care.
• Work in close collaboration with members of the medical team, including physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying client's overall health.
• Must attend agency-wide events including but not limited to PRIDE, World AIDS Day, Back to School, VIDA patient conference including outside of regular working hours.
• Must Abide by HIPAA regulations and confidentiality according to VAC policies.
• Must follow all agency rules and regulations including but not limited to Employee Handbook, safety policies and programmatic requirements.
• Attend organizational and departmental meetings and mandatory trainings.
• Maintain a flexible schedule; this position may occasionally require non-traditional hours, such as evenings and weekends.
• Other duties as required and assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A High School Diploma is required.
• Associate's degree in social work with on-the-job experience. Formal education can be substituted with years of experience.
• Certified Community Health worker preferred but not required.
• A degree from an accredited 4-year college or university program in the fields of health, social services, mental health or related area preferred but not required.
• One year of case management or 2 years community health worker experience with people living with HIV, and/or persons with a history of mental illness, homelessness, or chemical dependence; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of

HIV/AIDS

; knowledge of community resources and referrals; Knowledge in medical terminology and proper documentation in electronic medical record. Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds living with

H IV/AIDS.

Knowledge of

HIV/AIDS

; knowledge of community resources and referrals. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English; with medical providers, patients and other external stakeholder at all levels. Compassionate and empathetic with ability to relate to target population from all walks of life. Ability to participate effectively as a team member and contribute to a positive work environment. Knowledge and ability to operate Microsoft Office software, specifically Outlook, Word & Excel. Organizational and time management skills. Ability to perform multiple tasks; good problem-solving abilities; demonstrate flexibility and positive people skills. Flexibility to travel, if needed within Cameron and Hidalgo county and from clinic site to site and occasional overnight travel.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Active state of Texas Class "C" Driver's License. Employee must maintain all certifications, licenses and/or registrations consistent with Westbrook Clinic policy and Texas State Law as applicable.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) highly desired in order to effectively communicate with clientele.
• BLS certification.
• This job will require traveling within the Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron Counties from time to time and occasional overnight travel.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Requires frequent use of agency issued desktop/laptop computer including word processing and spreadsheet programs; telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and operating automotive vehicle.

PHYSICAL

DEMANDS and

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work is predominantly performed in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet. This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive or as an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$16.00 - $16.64 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid orientation Paid time off Retirement plan

Language:

Spanish (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person