Early Intervention Specialist - AIDS Healthcare Foundation

AMAZING INDIVIDUALS WORKING FOR POSITIVE PEOPLE at Aids Outreach Center (AOC) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)!

Does the idea of doing something that really makes a difference in people’s lives while being well-compensated intrigue you? Are you looking to work for an organization that encourages growth and success from each and every one of its employees?

The AOC has been saving and transforming lives since its inception in 1986. The agency is the Southeast’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive AIDS Service Organization.

Today, AIDS Outreach Center (AOC) began as a grassroots organization responding to the HIV epidemic. Since that time, AOC has been a leader in North Texas in the fight against HIV. Annually, 42 staff members provide services and education to over 2,000 people living with HIV and prevention services to over 3,500 people in our community.

Our Mission is to serve people living with or at risk for HIV with dignity and respect.

In our community, people living will with HIV receive quality care, and new infections are rare.

STILL INTERESTED? Please continue!

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Director of Client Services, the position aids Peer Advocates, Patient Navigators, Case Managers, and Outreach Worker to support engagement in medical care, medication adherence and viral suppression for all populations. Duties include HIV literacy education (HIV transmission and the virus lifecycle); annual recerts; education about the care system; linking clients to an HIV medical provider; coaching/mentoring and support to help clients overcome barriers and become committed to and engaged in care; treatment adherence counseling to help clients adhere to medications; follow up to help clients keep appointments; referrals; provide risk reduction education, and support to the clinical team to provide follow up or address problems they have identified. In addition to managing a caseload, the Early Intervention Specialist will assist in triage of client situations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Intakes will be completed on clients that are newly diagnosed, lost to care, returning to care, clients from TDJC, and Immigration.

Complete intakes and get intake documents and place them in Provide Enterprise.

Link clients to medical care and follow-up, as needed at key points of entry.

Provide access and linkage to HIV care and treatment services such as Outpatient/Ambulatory Health Services, Medical Case Management, and Substance use care to newly diagnosed and out of care clients.

Provide clients with education on the importance of HIV medical care and treatment adherence.

Engage clients in medical care and assist with overcoming treatment barriers.

Help clients to schedule medical appointments and follow up with providers to ensure clients attend appointments.

Accompany clients to medical, mental health, substance abuse treatment or social services appointments to improve attendance.

Contact clients to verify and/or remind them of appointments with other departments or other agencies

Provide emotional support to patients around topics such as disclosure options and dealing with stigma.

Serve as mentor regarding interaction with medical providers, helping patients prepare for visits and then debriefing what happened, depending on patient needs.

Initiate referrals to agency and community service providers, as necessary, and coordinate activities in order to provide an integrated system of service delivery.

Monitor clients’ adherence as required.

Educate new clients on the process and what to expect from the HIV service delivery system.

Maintain care plans as outlined in the policies and procedures and grant guidelines.

Maintain caseload to meet the goals of the grant.

Participate in agency meetings, retreats, work sessions and events as requested.

Enter and maintain information via timely database entry on all clients as needed. 

Assist with Quality Assurance measures and activities to meet departmental and organizational goals and objectives.

Act as a liaison between AOC and the community to always facilitate positive relationships.

Complete required initial and ongoing training.  

Always conduct oneself in a professional and culturally sensitive manner.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS; cultural knowledge and sensitivity; excellent written and verbal communication skills; cultural knowledge and sensitivity; knowledge of community resources; ability to handle crisis situations; ability to discuss sexual issues; word processing skills; valid Texas driver's license and proven driving record.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Salaried non-exempt; full-time; full benefits; generous vacation policy; some evenings and weekends; local travel required.

We at AOC/AIDS Healthcare Foundation believe that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status or disability. The right of equal employment opportunity extends to recruiting, hiring selection, transfer, promotion, training and all other conditions of employment.