Linkage to Care Specialist

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

Established in 1984, Equitas Health is a regional not-for-profit community-based healthcare system and federally qualified community health center look-alike. Its expanded mission has made it one of the nation’s largest HIV/AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) healthcare organizations. With 22 offices in 12 cities, it serves more than 67,000 individuals in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through its diverse healthcare and social service delivery system focused around: primary and specialized medical care, retail pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, HIV/STI prevention, advocacy, and community health initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Linkage to Care Specialist (LCS) is a unique position in the organization that plays a key role in conducting outreach and direct engagement to people with HIV who reside in geographic insecure regions of Southeast Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia to ensure that they are able to access care for HIV and associated illnesses to maintain that services. The LCS will collaborate with staff agency-wide to reduce barriers to patients and their families from receiving holistic care to reduce the impact of HIV.

SALARY: $20.43-$ 22.98

BENEFITS:

• PTO
• Vision
• Dental
• Health
• 401k
• Sick time
• Paid Holidays

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, conducting, procuring, and/or transporting point-of-care tests for HIV, STIs, and/or viral hepatitis, traveling, driving, having reliable transportation, utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research, conducting home visitations, excellent written communication, participating in meetings, conducting assessments within scope of practice, and presenting to small groups.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct outreach to organizations serving populations highly impacted by HIV, i.e., people who use substances, transitionally housed individuals, LGBTQ+ people and/or organizations, local health departments, youth centers, etc.
• Provide extensive outreach and linkage to care activities to the people with HIV communities.
• Assist patients in scheduling appointments with medical, behavioral health and case management staff, particularly those who have been identified as struggling to receive care.
• Represent Equitas Health in the community at events such as Juneteenth, Pride Festivals, Health Fairs, LGBTQ+ events, local conferences and other events.
• Assess potential barriers to care and work with patients to reduce obstacles resulting from lack of transportation, mental illness, substance abuse, etc.
• Work with other positions to ensure that newly diagnosed individuals successfully integrate into the care system.
• Coordinate transportation assistance for appointments and for related activities such as Medicaid or Social Security application.
• Participate in community committees related to HIV, injection drug use, and other topics as relevant.
• Provide linkage to resources such as housing, crisis support services, nutritional assistance, medical case management, palliative care, transportation and social functions which help increase ability to remain independent in the community.
• Assist with data entry related to client care and funder reports as needed.
• Coordinate the collection and analysis of client satisfaction surveys.
• Maintain appropriate referral sources and contact persons for client access to community-based services.
• Demonstrate unconditional positive regard to clients and conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service.
• Continuously grow and develop cultural competency, exhibiting an evolved understanding of the HIV epidemic, awareness, and respect for diversity and lived experiences.
• Participate in creating a positive work environment by embracing colleagues’ strengths.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE:

• Medical Assistance (preferred but not required)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications:

• Two years of experience working in a professional setting, preferable a medical office or community based organization.
• Ability to be flexible in work hours and engage directly with clients in their living space (permanently housed, transitionally housed, and unhoused) or in the community; and willing to cover special events on evenings and weekends.
• Exemplary customer service skills as well as written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color, and LGBTQ+ community. 
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications, as required.
• Must have valid Ohio driver’s license and reliable transportation.           

OTHER INFORMATION:

Background and reference checks will be conducted. In accordance with Equitas Health’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered.  Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload.  Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment.  Completing the application does not guarantee employment. EOE/AA