HIV Counselor

Under the overall guidance of the HIV/AIDS Coordinator the HIV AIDS Counselor is expected to substantively contribute to the effective implementation of New Hope CORPS HIV-AIDS program intervention and activities, particularly related to HIV/AIDS counseling, testing and outreach. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Florida Department of Health and the South Florida Behavioral Health Network.

Essential Responsibilities and Target Outcomes:

Provide five (5) brief statements that identify how the job is performed and key outcomes of competent performance.

HIV AIDS Counselor-Specific Responsibilities and Target Outcomes:

• Responsible for assessment of risk of the disease at an early stage
• Educates clients on HIV, AIDS and STDs and their implications through different programs & policies
• Provides unbiased information on HIV testing to his clients & explains the testing process in a simple way
• Develops measurable, achievable goals with clients, with attendant behavioral objectives within designated timeframes.
• Maintains a list of certifications for the Rapid HIV Test.
• Conducts a report of risk assessment that explains the implications of risk behaviors to his clients
• Collaborates effectively with other staff to facilitate the timely sharing of pertinent clinical information.
• Completes documentation within designated timeframes.
• Prepares a medical follow-up for critical cases that have a high risk of HIV infection.
• Works cooperatively to accomplish group, program, and agency-wide goals.
• Maintains client confidentiality under agency policy and state and federal regulations.
• Meets productivity standards established and documented with supervisor.

II. Knowledge/Skill Based Functions

• Possesses the ability to communicate with clients simply to make them understand and be aware of the disease clearly.
• Demonstrates basic knowledge & terminology about HIV/AIDS disease.
• Understands basic concepts of HIV related to HIV testing services and knowledge of disease prevention solutions.
• Has completed the training required for HIV from government or local regulations.
• Demonstrates ability to provide accurate, unbiased, clear information about the disease to his clients
• Demonstrates ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client records and information in a manner consistent with professional and agency codes of ethics
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to all types of issues related to client diversity, including cultural, ethnic, language, gender preference, sexual orientation, physical handicap, and spiritual diversity.

III. Additional Job Functions

• Keeps work area clean and organized.
• Attends and actively participates in staff as required
• Refers HIV clients with suspected or confirmed drug abuse issues to the appropriate agency as needed

IV. Continuous Improvement of Work Processes

• Able to increase work-pace and prioritize to accommodate emergencies or rush assignments.
• Seeks additional assignments upon completion of duties, as time allows.
• Clarifies assignments/responsibilities with administrative staff.
• Remains up-to-date on all departmental-specific policies/procedures/regulations.
• Performs in other roles, as required, in order to meet the demands of the department.

Principal Customers:

List the primary people/groups who receive your services/products, both within CMHA and outside CMHA.

Individuals, both children 18 years and older, referred to New Hope or seeking HIV-AIDS testing and counseling services.

Critical Work Relationships:

List the people/groups (within CMHA and outside of CMHA) with whom you must share information in order to fulfill your job purpose 

clients and stakeholders