Community Based Services Prevention Health Navigator

Job Description Summary:

Job Description:

The Prevention Health Navigator at the Center for Key Populations (CKP) plays a vital role in HIV prevention efforts by increasing awareness, facilitating access, and providing direct linkage to care for individuals seeking PrEP. This position will eliminate barriers to care by offering resources, navigation, assistance, and support to those in need of PrEP services. The navigator identifies potential candidates for PrEP, delivers navigation services, and empowers clients to manage their healthcare independently over time.

In addition, the Prevention Health Navigator will implement and execute a comprehensive outreach strategy that promotes HIV prevention and PrEP education across communities. Outreach will include educational events, partnerships with community organizations, and screenings to increase public awareness and access to PrEP services.

The Prevention Health Navigator must adhere to the Community Health Center, Inc. policies and procedures of exhibiting professional skills in all contacts and ensuring that all activities are in support of the company's mission statement and policies.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Services and Navigation:

• Increase Awareness and Linkage to Care: Educate individuals and communities about PrEP as an effective HIV prevention method and provide direct linkage to care for those seeking access.
• Client Support: Offer navigation services to assist with health insurance enrollment, PrEP provider identification, appointment scheduling, cost management, appointment reminders, and partner notification.
• Screenings and Assessments: Conduct readiness screenings for PrEP, identify barriers to care, and assess benefits and insurance coverage to help clients access financial assistance or payor programs.
• Patient Empowerment: Support clients in navigating medical and social systems to become self-sufficient in managing their ongoing PrEP care and overall health.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Patient Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely patient records in electronic health systems, ensuring compliance with all confidentiality and data protection policies.
• Grant Management and Reporting: Enter HIV routine testing data into the CDC Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) portal weekly as part of the HIV Prevention Services grant reporting requirements.
• Complete Prevention program monthly report, including outcomes, successes, challenges with a detailed narrative.
• Compliance and Policy Adherence: Follow all policies and procedures of the Community Health Center, Inc. to maintain professional standards and ensure alignment with the organization's mission.

Outreach and Community Engagement:

• Outreach Strategy Implementation: Develop and execute an outreach plan focused on raising awareness of HIV risk, PrEP options, and available resources.
• Community Events: Organize, promote, and facilitate statewide outreach events to educate the public, engage at-risk populations, and strengthen the network of community partners.
• Testing and Screening: Provide HIV and Hepatitis C testing at community events and partner locations to identify at-risk individuals and connect them to prevention services.
• Partnership Development: Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations and draft Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) as necessary to formalize collaborations.

Collaboration and Professional Development:

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Develop strong working relationships with leadership, healthcare providers, and CKP staff to ensure the seamless coordination of HIV prevention, treatment, and STI screening services.
• Team Participation: Actively participate in CKP staff meetings, trainings, and other organizational events to enhance skills and stay informed about the latest developments in PrEP care and HIV prevention.
• Special Projects: Assist with special assignments and projects as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate degree in a related field (e.g., healthcare, public health, social work, or human services).

• Bilingual: Spanish and English proficiency required.

• Experience:

• Experience in healthcare settings, community outreach, or navigating community resources.

• Preferred experience in crisis intervention, service coordination, advocacy, and working with vulnerable populations.

• Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Experience with electronic health record systems and data entry preferred.

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• Organizational Skills:

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.

• Community Resource Knowledge:

• Understanding of and ability to access local community resources to support client needs.

• Work Style and Attributes:

• Able to work independently with limited resources or collaboratively within a team.

• Demonstrates maturity, flexibility, compassion, and a deep commitment to working with underserved and vulnerable populations.

• Additional Preferences:

• Experience working at or with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) is a plus.

• Energetic, flexible, and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Valid driver's license required, and having a reliable vehicle is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

At times staff will enter tenement buildings and are required to climb up and down stairs. Most of the time staff are expected to be in the community. Travel time by foot or automobile is required.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION:

Confidentiality of business information is a requirement. Confidentiality must be maintained according to CHC policies

Organization Information:

The Moses/Weitzman Health System is a global leader addressing challenges faced by organizations caring for the poor and diverse populations, and is home to programs focusing on education, research, and process improvement support for safety net providers. The system delivers primary care to more than 150,000 patients in Connecticut, and extends access to specialty care for more than 2.5 million individuals across the U.S. It is a national accrediting body for organizations training advanced practice providers, and offers accredited education and training for Medical Assistants in multiple states. As an incubator for new ideas in areas including social justice, the environment, and social determinants of health, the MWHS is addressing challenges faced by providers caring for underserved communities, creating innovative and impactful initiatives led by nationally and internationally recognized experts. As it forges pathways into the future of primary care, the MWHS honors Lillian Reba Moses (1924-2012), a granddaughter of slaves, and Gerard (Gerry) Weitzman (1938-1999), whose ancestors escaped pogroms in Eastern Europe. Their vision and commitment to justice and equity in healthcare is the foundation upon which the Moses/Weitzman Health System was built.

Location:

Middletown - Weitzman Building

City:

Middletown

State:

Connecticut

Time Type:

Full time