What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual HIV&EIS Social Services Coordinator position at Neighborhood Health?
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Serves as Neighborhood Health’s Spanish-speaking social services coordinator focused on clients who are at high-risk for HIV infection, as an integral member of the Early Intervention Services team. Using a status-neutral approach, assists clients identified by the HIV Outreach Workers as being high-risk for HIV/STI, and who need access to social services and health care. Has high comfort level and experience working with diverse populations of adolescents and adults, including knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning persons from various cultures and backgrounds. Coordinates efforts with Neighborhood Health’s outreach staff and community partner agencies. Responsible for achieving grant-specified goals.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
- Serves as Neighborhood Health’s Bi-Lingual (Spanish) Social Services Coordinator as a member of the Early Intervention Services team and work with patients within target demographic (i.e., Latinx and newly arrived immigrants, individuals who are at high risk for HIV infection, etc.)
- Works with diverse populations of adolescents and adults, including those in the LGBTQ community, and individuals who are from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Serves in a Lead capacity for HIV Outreach Workers and assist with any matters, including but not limited to, communicating with patients, lab results, PrEP case management, and service navigation.
- Collaborates with the other PrEP Navigators on any matters relating to case management, medication request, and provider communications for actively managed PrEP patients.
- Conducts Psychosocial Assessments as appropriate with any patients who receive a “reactive” result during their Rapid HIV test.
- With the HIV Prevention Manager, implement regular targeted testing events. Conduct CLIA-waived HIV rapid testing using established procedures at community partner sites and Neighborhood Health clinics.
- Assists clients identified by HIV Outreach Workers who need access to healthcare and social services and linking them with community resources.
- Documents client-level interactions as appropriate in the electronic health records (i.e., CAREWare, eClinicalWorks, etc.)
- Coordinates planning efforts with Neighborhood Health’s HIV Outreach staff, NH general outreach team, and community partner agencies to organize and plan outreach activities.
- Plans and conducts, with minimal supervision, outreach activities in targeted areas to identify new potential partnerships, new venues for potential testing and outreach, and disseminates information about the HIV prevention program at Neighborhood Health.
- Responsible for achieving grant-specified goals.
DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Functions: Duties and responsibilities noted with bullets are considered to be the essential functions of the job):
Under the guidance of the HIV Prevention & Early Intervention Manager and in collaboration with the EIS Outreach Workers, engage in the following activities using a status-neutral approach with high-risk individuals:
- Meet one-on-one with clients referred by the HIV Outreach Workers, either at a Neighborhood Health location, or in a neutral location in the community convenient to the client (e.g., coffee house, community center, etc.)
- Provide a supportive atmosphere using trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, etc., to encourage clients to discuss challenges freely.
- Undertake a comprehensive needs assessment with clients and jointly create individualized service plans to meet identified social, educational and financial needs.
- Help clients adjust emotionally to any challenges in their lives; link clients to mental health, substance abuse, and/or psycho-social services as needed, including support groups.
- Assist clients access needed services, such as housing and/or utility assistance, food banks, clothing assistance, education, job skills training, legal services, transportation, child care, etc.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to community and/or governmental agencies to ensure rapid access to services.
- Assist clients connect one-on-one with a Neighborhood Health Enrollment Specialist who will help clients apply for Medicaid, if eligible, or for Neighborhood Health sliding fee services to establish care.
- Refer clients to apply for government benefits, such as SNAP and Medicaid.
- Respond supportively to crisis situations such as domestic and/or intimate partner violence, and confidentially refer clients to assistive agencies, as needed.
- Meet and or communicate with clients regularly to ensure access to services, that their situations have improved, and troubleshoot concerns.
- Assess environmental issues that may impede a client’s progress and/or access to services.
- Collaborate with other HIV, EIS & Ryan White providers in region to share strategies and best practices.
- Document, code, and enter data for program reporting, analysis and quality improvement.
- Submit all necessary documentation and data reports in a timely fashion.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Fluency in Spanish required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred. However, 4 years of relevant work experience can substitute for education.
- At least 2 years of working experience in an HIV-related field or position.
- Strong background in social service landscape and resources in the Northern Virginia area.
- Demonstrated critical thinking, resourcefulness, patience, and emotional strength.
- Comfort with LGBTQ and immigrant populations.
- Knowledge and experience with using Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Willingness to travel in Northern Virginia area and have own transportation.