PrEP Counselor

• Provide rapid HIV test to clients, used for basis of next steps.
• Assess and address clients’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding PrEP.
• Assessment of clients’ level of risk to determine appropriateness for PrEP.
• Engage identified high-risk individuals in discussions regarding HIV risk reduction and all manner of PrEP information, to include at a minimum:

• What is required of the client to ensure that PrEP is maximally effective;
• The potential side effects of PrEP medication(s);
• Schedule of medical follow-up visits for monitoring health status relative to possible side effects; and
• Discussion of relationship situations when PrEP may no longer be appropriate.

• Assess clients’ intentions to initiate and comply with a PrEP regimen.
• Assess clients’ health insurance status.
  • Assist/refer clients with prior authorizations, insurance enrollment and pharmaceutical company required application and enrollment in medication assistance program as appropriate.
  • Provide clients with completed prior authorization paperwork for them to take with them when they see the PrEP prescriber.
• Evaluate clients’ access to primary care providers.
• Identify clients’ transportation needs.
• Assist clients in the development of their adherence plan.
• Provide sexual risk reduction counseling regarding HIV and STIs.
• Monitor clients to ensure regimen adherence and clinical follow-up visits, which may include:
  • Appointment reminders using appropriate technology (texting, social media, interventions etc.)
  • Delivery of evidence-based strategies, which may include but are not limited to:
    • Every Dose Every Day Mobile Application
    • PEER Support
    • Partnership for Health Medication Adherence
    • SMART Couples
  • Familiarity with CDC’s publication “Optimizing Entry Into and Retention in HIV Care and ART Adherence for PLWHA”.
  • Provide tracking and follow-up with the client and/or provider 90 days after initiation of PrEP.
• Work collaboratively with clinical PrEP providers.
• Monitor and evaluate PrEP program as directed by management.
• Collect program data and in-put in NJDOH/DHSTS PrEP data management system as required. 
• Compile and report program results/indicators.
  • Number of clients provided education and counseling services.
    • Source of PrEP referral (partners of HIV+ clients, CBOs that serve the target population, word of mouth, private physicians, primary care clinics, STD clinics, etc.).
  • Number of interested clients for whom PrEP is indicated.
  • Number of clients for whom PrEP is not indicated.
  • Number referred to receive PrEP prescriptions and follow-up medical services.
  • Number who attend their first visit to PrEP clinical site.
  • Number who initiate PrEP.
  • Number who make 90-day visit to PrEP site.
  • Number remaining on PrEP at 3, 6, and 12 months.
  • Link PrEP patients to other resources as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain strict patient confidentiality protocols as required by Henry J. Austin’s Patient Confidentiality Code of Conduct Policy and NJDOH/DHSTS per HIPPA regulations.
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as apparent and/or as assigned by HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator.    Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience as an HIV tester/counselor.
• Experienced in delivery of HIV services.
• Experience working with population at high risk for HIV, STI infection. Must

• Valid New Jersey Driver’s license.
• Participate in NJDOH PrEP Counselor training within the first 6 months of hire for this position.

• Computer literate.
• Knowledge of public and community health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of STI/HIV prevention principles and strategies directed at high risk populations, STI/HIV case management principles and procedures, and epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory services related to HIV and STIs.
• Knowledge of community organizations and agencies related to HIV and STIs.
• Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to write reports.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff and representatives from other agencies.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Bi-lingual Spanish/English highly desirable 
• Ability to work with and establish rapport with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Sensitivity to alternative and diverse lifestyles and ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to remain calm, client focused and helpful under stress.
• Possess good computer skills including ability to utilize multiple databases, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office software.

Powered by JazzHR