RAIN - Empowering Youth (EPY) Peer Navigator - Ascend Nonprofit Solutions

EMPOWERING YOUTH (EPY) PEER NAVIGATOR

Full -Time

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The EPY Peer Navigator provides comprehensive HIV Case Management services through a peer model with compassion and care to the youth clients-ages 12-25 living with HIV and according to guidelines established by RAIN. Client intake/assessment, coordination of services, monitoring services, care plan development, and assisting in access to services - including medical services, mental health, and substance abuse services will be expected. Providing adherence education and advocacy within the community will also be critical components of this position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The EPY Peer Navigator will work under the supervision and administrative guidance of the Director of Programs while carrying out the following responsibilities:

• Build a trusting, effective and empowering relationship with the client ensuring all quality assurance measures are met, identifying a client's strengths, needs and barriers to accessing HIV medical care
• All core components of HIV medical Peer Navigation for youth clients: referral, intake, assessment, care plan development, resource development, coordination of services, monitoring, reassessment (including quarterly transition plan review), and discharge
• Develop individualized care plans for clients which include educating a client on medication adherence tools, how to seek out a support network, addressing nutrition, mental health, and substance abuse and other issues
• Work closely with and proactively to connect clients to community health organizations, medical service providers and other services
• Provide education, referrals and advocacy for social support services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, housing and food assistance, legal aid and other community services
• Provide education and information on HIV, prevention, safer-sex techniques and ongoing education to clients, their families, other organizations and others as requested
• Document all contacts with clients or others pertaining to the client in progress notes which will be reflective of the client's care plan
• Working knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA regulations, attend all required trainings and maintain confidentiality of client's records, situations and information
• Engage clients in consumer activities such as advisory boards and consumer boards
• Work effectively with other community service providers to ensure optimal quality of services offered to clients and to develop new resources to meet the needs of the client
• Meet all programmatic and third part deadlines; maintaining and providing all billing records, reports, daily and monthly work records, time sheets, surveys, mile tracking and requests when due
• Assist with promotion, screening, and enrollments of applicable collaborative projects with partners

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in trainings, supervision, agency and inter-disciplinary meetings and required agency functions
• Willingness to be trained and assist with HIV and STI testing as needed
• Accompany participants to medical and other service appointments if necessary and provide follow up on such visits
• Assist in organizing and attending support groups regularly

• Assist with community events and health fairs as requested
• Actively provide input regarding community testing strategies and events

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance coverage
• Self-starter able to work with limited supervision with skills in creative thinking and problem solving
• Public speaking, training and strong interpersonal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and willingness to train others
• Ability to comfortably and professionally build, maintain and navigate working relationships across the agency spectrum; including but not limited to clients and their families, community partners, staff colleagues, volunteers, third party providers, donors and members of the Board of Directors
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of the structural barriers impacting health outcomes

• HIV lived experience preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of case management model and federal HIV care cascade preferred, but not required

• Two years' work experience in HIV preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of and expected willingness to remain current on LGBTQ+ cultural issues

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Comfort in generally using a computer with proficiency in Word and Excel and aptitude and willingness to learn other job specific programs
• Passing score on HIPAA regulations training, understanding of confidentiality and expected willingness to maintain these standards at all times
• Ability to recognize and maintain personal and professional boundaries as well as practice regular self-care

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job classification. They are not to be construed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities of people so assigned.

RAIN's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, disability or veteran status. RAIN will engage in an interactive process with employees requesting medical or religious accommodations.