GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The HIP Navigator will identify high-risk communities, conduct social networking strategy among YMSM social groups and online through social media and identify individuals at risk for HIV and STD infection or transmission. Attend and conduct outreach and HIV testing events. This position will provide Personal Cognitive Counseling for repeat testers. Will spend time working in the community to build trust, break down barriers of stigma disseminate HIV/AIDS education materials that are culturally appropriate, provide safer sex information and distribute condoms. Identify and recruit HIV positive persons eligible for PROMISE intervention.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

The HIP Navigator will work under the supervision and administrative guidance of the HIP Program Manager while carrying out the following responsibilities:

• Provide face to face and online education and information on HIV, prevention, safer-sex techniques, HIV testing and ongoing education to clients and their families as well as other organizations, families and individuals as requested
• Conduct pre and post HIV testing and counseling using HIV point of care testing kits both on and off site.
• Conduct STI testing and counseling providing results to clients in a timely manner.

• Attend and conduct offsite outreach testing events as needed to include outside of business hours

• Build trust, effective, and empowering relationships with the clients/enrolled peers ensuring all quality assurance measures are met
• Conduct integrated testing with YMSM of color
• Navigate with the HIP Project Lead for persons with HIV and those accessing PrEP
• Conduct social networking strategy among YMSM social groups and online through social media as Grindr, Tinder, A4A etc and identify individuals at risk for HIV and STD infection or transmission
• Coordinate the day-to-day linkage to care for HIV positives and those seeking/accessing PrEP and PEP
• Will be able to provide medical, and peer support
• Will manage caseload for HIV positive clients, PrEP, and PEP clients to ensure retention in care
• Work closely with and proactively to connect clients to community health organizations, medical service providers and other services to assist clients in maximizing their medical treatments ensuring screening and enrollment in ACA healthcare plans when eligible
• Complete and track Intervention and Outreach with verification documents

• Work collaboratively with Investigation Specialist

• Work and maintain knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA regulations, attend all required trainings and maintain confidentiality of client's records and information
• Document all contacts with participants or others pertaining to the participants in approved format within time deadlines
• Meet all programmatic and third party deadlines; maintaining and providing all billing records, reports, daily and monthly work records, time sheets, surveys, requests and tracked mileage when due and in approved format
• Work effectively with other community service providers to ensure optimal quality of services offered to participants and to develop new resources to meet the needs of the participant; maintaining the highest level of professionalism and cooperation at all times with other service providers
• Participate in continuous quality improvement for the department and the agency
• Be a mentor for the participants
• Willingness to utilize personal networks and social media to recruit and retain
• All other duties as assigned by leadership team

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in training, conferences, supervision, agency and inter-disciplinary meetings and required agency functions
• Must be willing to be trained/certified as a Certified Application Counselor for the ACA

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment.
• Driver's license, reliable transportation and auto insurance coverage
• Two years' work experience in HIV preferred
• Knowledge of HIV and other STI's
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Ability to comfortably and professionally build, maintain and navigate working relationships across the agency spectrum; including but not limited to clients and their families, community partners, staff colleagues, volunteers, third party providers, donors and member of the Board of Directors
• Public speaking, training and strong interpersonal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and willingness to train others
• Self-starter able to work with limited supervision with skills in creative thinking and problem solving
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of the structural barriers impacting health outcomes
• Knowledge of and expected willingness to remain current on LGBTQ+ cultural issues

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Comfort in generally using a computer with proficiency in Word and Excel and aptitude and willingness to learn other job specific programs
• Passing score on HIPAA regulations training, understanding of confidentiality and expected willingness to maintain these standards at all times
• Ability to recognize and maintain personal and professional boundaries as well as practice regular self-care

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job classification. They are not to be construed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities of people so assigned. RAIN will engage in an interactive process with employees requesting medical or religious accommodations.

RAIN's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.