COUNSELOR/TESTER (50080328)

Job Role Summary

The counselor/tester will collaborate with the Eskenazi Health Linkage to Care Specialist and PrEP Coordinator to ensure those individuals that test HIV positive are given a warm hand off. The counselor/tester will collaborate with the Prep Navigator individuals that test HIV negative and are at high risk are given a warm hand. The counselor/tester plans, implements, and provides health education, HIV testing and risk reduction activities and must demonstrate the ability to develop outreach locations to promote early HIV testing. The outreach/tester will provide information regarding transmission, prevention, and behavior change techniques and must be motivated and willing to conduct outreach in non-traditional locations during non-traditional hours. The counselor/tester provides consultation and guidance regarding setting up drive-thru HIV testing and In-home HIV testing to individuals at high risk for HIV. Additionally, the counselor/tester assists in communicating and promoting the objectives and services of the Marion County Public Health Department to the public, community organizations and professional groups.

Associated Job Duties

• Assists with the development of health education and risk reduction for target groups
• Provides client centered counseling and education sessions
• Presents HIV health education/prevention programs for drive-thru HIV testing and in-home HIV testing
• Assist with client referrals for HIV testing (with follow-up)
• Achieves and maintains time and activity sheets and referral logs
• Documents and enters client demographics into data systems
• Promotes outreach prevention activities within the at-risk communities
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Provides needed referrals according to client readiness
• Maintains confidentiality of information; works with confidential client data and other sensitive information
• Accountability for educational materials, condom inventory and monthly reports
• Provides client-centered HIV counseling risk reduction sessions
• Provides internal and external referrals for programs and other supportive services
• Completes referral cards and referral tracking sheets
• Follows up on referrals made and document outcome
• Submits time and activity sheets
• Reviews and understands employee policies and safety procedures
• Attends scheduled meetings and trainings as assigned

Qualifications

• Completion of the following trainings: Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling, Counseling, Testing and Referral, Client Centered Prevention Counseling, Outreach Techniques and Quality Assurance
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in an area of study considered relevant to job requirements

Licenses/Certifications Required

Completion of the following trainings: Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling, Counseling, Testing and Referral, Client Centered Prevention Counseling, Outreach Techniques and Quality Assurance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Theory and processes, psychology, HIV/STD prevention and education principles
• Thorough knowledge of peer educators manual and outreach techniques
• Thorough knowledge of community education philosophy, methodologies, principles and practices
• Strong computer and desktop skills (Microsoft Office)
• Ability to enter client information into data systems

Ability to locate non-traditional outreach sites

ABILITIES:

• Functions effectively in a number of different settings and locations (i.e., office, outreach, groups)
• Modifies or adjusts prevention education to fit the needs of varied and diverse populations
• Assesses the impacts of prevention education activities and modifies them accordingly
• Manages time and activities effectively
• Communicates effectively with diverse populations and age groups
• Works independently and in team relationships effectively
• Engages in conversations with persons regarding HIV/STD prevention and risk reduction