HEALTH PROMOTION & TESTING COUNSELOR- Miami Dade & Broward

JOB SUMMARY

The Health Promotion and Testing Counselor is responsible for promoting health screenings and agency services as well as providing Testing, Counseling and Treatment Access to clients particularly those at high risk for HIV, STI infections and other serious health conditions. This is classified as a “sensitive position,” due to its access to confidential information.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Health Promotion

• Conducts outreach activities in target communities to provide and promote agency services.
• Actively assists supervisor in identifying new venues and testing sites to conduct activities.
• Performs promotional and educational activities to link participants to Agency services.
• Actively participates in health fairs promoting services and encouraging participants to get tested.

Testing and Counseling

• Provides pre and post test counseling for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health screenings as required.
• Performs HIV and STI testing on clients by drawing blood, securing a blood, urine, or saliva sample (OraSure or OraQuick Advance) and follows all manufacturer’s instructions for the testing technology used.
• Performs health screenings (i.e. blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol) as instructed.
• Complies with monthly productivity standards in relation to number of tests, outreach, etc., as determined by management.
• Creates a supportive atmosphere in which to conduct testing.
• Performs risk assessments for substance abuse and high-risk behaviors according to agency and funders standards.
• Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.
• Maintains the area used for activities by cleaning before and after activities.
• Maintains proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.

Referrals and Access to Treatment

• Works with Outreach Workers and other agency staff to link clients testing positive to HIV primary care, other medical, dental or psychosocial care as determined.
• Makes other referrals to the appropriate services and service providers as needed. (Food Stamps, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Counseling, etc.)
• Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.

Documentation, Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Inputs client information and productivity data using software assigned (e.g. Casewatch, KIS) by deadline established.
• Processes all progress notes and client admissions and discharges daily.
• Maintains Timely, Accurate, Legible and Clear chart documentation according to agency requirements.
• Complies with all data and forms submission as required by agency funders and government entities (i.e. DOH, CDC, SFBHN).
• Participates in programmatic site visits and monitoring when required.
• Participates in routine, periodic program QA activities.
• Drives the mobile unit to outreach sites as required by supervisor.
• Complies with all safety protocols as well as cleaning and maintenance schedules for mobile units and testing site locations.
• Maintains proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.
• Completes mobile unit check lists before and after use as well as reports any incidents promptly following agency procedures.
• Participates in staff training sessions as required by the agency and the funding source.
• Participates in agency developmental activities as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Safety

• Ensure proper hand washing according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
• Ensures each new client receives screening for their risk of suicide.
• Understands and appropriately acts upon assigned role in Emergency Code System
• Understands and performs assigned role in Agency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

Culture of Service: 3 C’s
Compassion

• Greets internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) with courtesy, making eye contact, responding with a proper tone and nonverbal language.
• Listens to the internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) attentively, reassuring and understanding of the request and providing appropriate options or resolutions.

Competency

• Provides services required by following established protocols and when needed, procure additional help to answer questions to ensure appropriate services are delivered

Commitment

• Takes initiative and anticipates internal or external customer needs by engaging them in the process and following up as needed
• Prioritize internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) requests to ensure the prompt and effective response is provided

Contact Responsibility:
The responsibility for internal and external contacts is frequent and important.

Safety
Ensures proper handwashing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Understands and appropriately acts upon the assigned role in Emergency Code System.
Understands and performs assigned roles in the organization’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

Physical Requirements
This work requires the following physical activities: frequent sitting, bending, standing, driving, walking, talking in person and talking on the phone. Occasional stretching/reaching and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Work usually is performed in an office setting and community outreach sites.

Other:
Travel required between Miami-Dade & Broward. Driving at least a 27 ft. mobile unit may be required.