Job Title: Prevention Health Advocate

Location: Syracuse                                                 

Salary:  $18.69 – 19.78 Hourly (D.O.E.)

Classification: Non-Exempt | Thirty-five (35) hrs. per week | Evenings and weekends expected for meetings, workshops, and seminars.                                                

Organizational Relationship:  Reports to Prevention Program Manager

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Two-year degree in health/human services or a related field; or three years’ experience working in nonprofit social services providing direct client related services to diverse populations (e.g., people of color, LGBTQI+ populations, people who use drugs, individuals with mental health diagnosis, those who are experiencing homeless etc.).
  2. A valid NYS driver’s license and access to a reliable and insured vehicle is required.
  3. Computer skills competency for software and email platforms, proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook email & calendar) is a must; Electronic Health Records systems preferred.
  4. Good communication, documentation and writing skills.
  5. Experience delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental, and culturally comprehensive services.
  6. Sensitivity to chronic illnesses, HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), substance use needs, LGTBQIA+ issues and a commitment to delivering services from a Trauma-informed Care perspective.
  7. A strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ACR Health are essential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F, 42 CFR, and HIPAA, as well as agency policies and other applicable regulations. Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law, 42 CFR and HIPAA federal regulations.
  2. Provide HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screenings to locate previously undiagnosed individuals living with HIV and/or STIs and link them to care.
  3. Offer linkage services to acute care for presenting medical issues, preventive services, and facilitated referrals for ongoing primary care, partner services, sub-specialty medical care, and behavioral health treatment services for individuals who engage in substance use.
  4. Conduct enhanced outreach in the community, targeting high-risk sub-populations of individuals to promote and facilitate access to HIV counseling and testing services, individual and group level HIV/STD/HCV education and risk reduction counseling, and other HIV prevention interventions and supportive services.
  5. Work interdepartmentally to recruit People With HIV (PWH) and individuals who are high-risk for HIV/STI for adherence counseling and other prevention services to maximize viral suppression and prevent new transmissions of HIV/HCV/STIs with an emphasis on Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) and a Status Neutral approach.
  6. Facilitates linkage and access to PrEP, as well as Patient Assistance Programs.
  7. Maintain an active caseload of eligible participants for Linkage Navigation Services, HIV Navigation Services, and PrEP Navigation and adherence services.
  8. Provides individuals with Protocol Based Counseling activities and one on one counseling for risk reduction and prevention education, including: comprehensive behavioral risk assessment, development of a risk reduction action plan, SDOH screening, and appropriate referrals based on assessed needs and barriers.
  9. Conduct screening & testing services for HIV/STI/HCV, for individuals at risk, and offer linkage, navigation, and referrals for HIV/STI/HCV-related treatment and care services, as well as PrEP access and antiretroviral therapy adherence services.
  10. Maintain accurate client service records in accordance with relevant policy and procedures.
  11. Prepare all required reports and supporting data which relate to specific program, agency, or department activities and as assigned by the Director of Harm Reduction & Prevention.
  12. Complete accurate monthly, quarterly and/or annual report(s) within agency and departmental guidelines.
  13. Attend community provider meetings/committees that address priority population(s) issues or concerns, act as agency liaison to these provider groups, and represent the agency at community partner meetings, when appropriate.
  14. Assist with annual community and program needs assessment activities.
  15. Identify and develop networking relationships with relevant community-based organizations.
  16. Assist with the general work of the agency and department, including special projects and general agency strategic initiatives, collaborative events, and department planning activities.
  17. Participate in appropriate and applicable training and professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
  18. Participate as a culturally competent member of the agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and complex needs presented by clients and communities.
  19. Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other appropriate organizational components, even after employment with the agency ends.
  20. Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative.
  21. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Harm Reduction & Prevention Services, the Chief Program Officer, and/or the Chief Executive Officer and/or their designee.