Early Intervention Specialist 1

Job Summary

The Early Intervention Services (EIS) Specialist identifies individuals who are living with HIV and HCV and links them into medical care as quickly as possible. These individuals are referred to EIS thought targeted testing, referral services, linkage to care referrals, and outreach services and health education/risk reduction. The elements of EIS often overlap with other service categories and departments; however, EIS is considered the combination of such services rather than a stand-alone service.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized HIV counseling and HCV/STI education to clients who are either newly diagnosed or re-engaging in care, through DAP Health clinics and collaborative community referrals
• Complete an assessment to identify social determinants of health barriers and thus utilize prevention strategies for specific infectious and chronic illnesses at time of individual visit
• Educate clients and their sexual partners and/or family members on HIV prevention methods, including condom and lubricant use, harm reduction practices, and antiretroviral therapies. Facilitate referrals to a Prevention Navigator for PEP and PrEP services for sexual partners and/or client's family members.
• Facilitate access to care by identifying and removing barriers for clients newly diagnosed with HIV or those out of care
• Facilitate referrals to medical care at DAP Health services as needed
• Communicate information consistent with agency standards
• Remain knowledgeable about local resources and advocate for clients by helping them access and navigate community-based services
• Access patient protected health information as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation for all client interactions
• Keep Electronic Health Records up to date as needed (HCC, Epic, and other databases)
• Meet with clients on a walk-in basis to provide support, answer questions, and address immediate needs
• Provide post-appointment support to clients, including assistance with in-house lab interactions to complete lab work and coordination of same-day prescription pickup
• Support clients by offering updated information and referrals to insurance enrollment workers to assist with coverage applications
• Connect clients with relevant internal and external resources through timely and accurate referrals
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Fluency/Excellent verbal and written communication in English
• Motivational Interviewing preferred
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree OR experience in medical or health-related fields; social work, counseling, nursing, public health, or other health education
• Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross accredited BLS certification
• Preferred:
• The ideal candidate will have an interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with the substance abuse community, African American, Latino/a, LGBT communities, health care workers, youth, and/or seniors
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS disease, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis), and HCV include diagnosis, prevention, and risk-reduction strategies
• Previous professional or volunteer experience working in HIV/HCV/STI prevention or care and/or delivering sexual health education or other behavior
• Understanding of how related chronic and infectious diseases are transmitted and prevented as well as familiarity with Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)
• Stages of Change and behavioral risk reduction

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• This position is on-site at a DAP Health location
• Ability to lift 24 pounds.
• Operates in an office setting at times and requires frequent times of sitting, standing, repetitive motion, and talking
• Requires current and valid driver's license and current personal auto insurance
• Able to travel throughout southern California