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Corrections Health Initiative (CHI) Linkage Specialist

Job Title: Corrections Health Initiative (CHI) Linkage Specialist

Office Location: Utica

Salary: $21.60 – $23.60/Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt. Thirty-five-hour (35.00) week; evenings and weekends are expected for meetings, workshops, outreaches, events, and seminars.

Position Summary: The CHI Linkage Specialist supports individuals living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C (HCV) who are currently incarcerated or recently released. This role helps reduce health disparities by providing navigation, advocacy, and education to ensure positive health outcomes during incarceration and the reentry process.

 Apply: recruitment@acrhealth.org

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in health& human services, or elated field: OR 4 years’ experience working in non-profit social service agency providing direct client related services to diverse populations (e.g., persons of color, MSM, substance users, mentally ill, etc.) OR any equal combination of education/ experience.
  2. Must be able to manage multiple tasks, communicate effectively, work as part of a team, and utilize computer and software application skills (Microsoft Office).
  3. Experience delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental, and culturally competent services.
  4. Must have a valid, unrestricted NYS driver’s license and access to a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle is required for necessary travel.
  5. Good communication, documentation and writing skills.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F and HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations.  Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols.  Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPAA.
  2. Pass NYS (New York State) DOCCS (Department of Correction and Community Supervision’s) background investigation and Volunteer selection process as a contingency of employment. Attend NYS DOCCS annual volunteer training, submit to NYS DOCCS required annual tuberculosis testing and adhere to NYS DOCCS Volunteer Policies.
  3. Oversees implementation of designated interventions outlined in assigned work plan, and program logic model. Attend CHI Conference calls. Observe staff delivering services to ensure proficient service delivery.
  4. Act as an agency liaison to Volunteer Coordinators, Corrections Officers, Nurses, (Senior Utilization Review Nurse) SURNs, ORCs (Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators), Deputy Superintendents, Superintendents, and other Administrators and DOCCS Personnel when appropriate. Meet routinely with DOCCS personnel to facilitate services and alleviate concerns.
  5. Attend medical callouts from incarcerated individuals seeking information/services.
  6. Conduct enhanced outreach in jails through HCPIs, 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.
  7. Work with SURN to receive referrals for HIV & HCV positive incarcerated individuals who are being released and/or who are out of care. Connect incarcerated individuals to services in their community and/or to appropriate DOCCS medical care to become virally suppressed.
  8. Provide linkage to acute care for presenting medical issues, preventive services, and facilitated referrals for ongoing primary care, sub-specialty medical care, and behavioral health treatment services for incarcerated individuals.
  9. Identify and develop networking relationships with community-based organizations and Community Linkage Specialists that serve incarcerated individuals upon release.
  10. Provide individuals with Protocol Based Counseling activities, including counseling, risk assessment and development of a corresponding risk reduction plan, testing for HIV antibodies, and referrals for HIV/STI/HCV-related services.
  11. Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with the Department’s policy and procedures.
  12. Prepare all required reports and supporting data which relate to specific prevention department activities and as assigned by the Program Manager and Director. Complete accurate monthly, quarterly and/or annual report(s) within agency and departmental guidelines.
  13. Attend meetings and training courses that address target population(s) issues and concerns. Assist with annual community and program needs assessment activities.
  14. Assist with the general work of the Harm Reduction & Prevention Department, including special projects, general agency programs/initiatives, and conduct QA and CQI activities as assigned. Review all chart paperwork prior to client closure.
  15. Manage the chart content and ensure the most up to date forms are in use. Guarantees program charts are maintained according to AIDS Institute standards. Conduct regular CHI program chart reviews to ensure program compliance.
  16. Participate in appropriate and applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
  17. Participate as a culturally competent member of the Harm Reduction & Prevention Department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities.
  18. Attend yearly CHI provider meeting and conference.
  19. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Management and Chief Program Officer.