Peer Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Navigator is responsible for providing education to clients living with HIV on risk reduction strategies to reduce transmission, health care coverage options, health literacy, and treatment adherence. The Peer Navigator will also share information about medical and psychosocial support services and counseling with clients to improve their health status. The Peer Navigator will identify and assist People Living with HIV needing Health Education and Risk Reduction Services throughout Ohio.

This position promotes the independence, stability, and health of persons living with HIV by providing peer navigation through Ryan White Part B funding. The individual will operate in accordance with the established professional standards and guidelines as stated by the Ohio Revised Code. Health Advocacy Services operates in accordance with the established professional standards and guidelines of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and adheres to NASW standards for social work management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, knowledge of healthcare services and public and private insurances, traveling, driving or having reliable transportation to meet clients, and utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research, attending meetings, conducting assessments, and other efforts to support successful client outcomes.

SALARY RANGE: $37,000-$46,200

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Meet with newly diagnosed clients and those re-engaging in care to provide a structured, time-limited intervention in collaboration with client’s case management

Guide clients through each step of care initiation, as needed

Address treatment adherence needs and coach clients in adherence

Provide education for integrating adherence and wellness practices into daily

Provide appropriate one-on-one and/or group-level social and emotional support, individual client meetings and the facilitation of community support groups.

Enhance engagement in care by assisting clients with appointment reminders for eligibility, Ohio HIV Drug Assistance Program (OHDAP), case management, health care/primary care, and laboratory

Participate in team transfer meetings, as

Participate in Regional Advisory Group (RAG), Combined Community Planning Group (CCPG), and Integrated Plan Work Groups, as applicable

Complete HIV 101 trainings (before working with clients) to provide educational information to newly diagnosed individuals or individuals new to care on risk reduction strategies, ways to reduce transmission, treatment adherence, and increased understanding of diagnosis

Must maintain healthcare, medication engagement, and personal support

Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of biweekly supervision and 1 hour of group supervision per month.

Collaborate internally as a part of a cooperative and productive working environment, as well as demonstrates sensitivity, team building, support, and respect.

Collaborate externally with all necessary community stakeholders, including but not limited to government offices and community partners.

Participate in community outreach events, as necessary and appropriate, to support Programs and Equitas Health services.

Demonstrates continuous growth and development aligned with Equitas Health Values, exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility.

Utilize email, Microsoft Teams, phone, and other telecommunication options to participate in meetings across sites.

Other duties as assigned related to this position by supervisor.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE:

Minimum of a high school diploma or GED or equivalent skills, with at least one year working in an office setting including proven ability to work in a team

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications:

May be living with HIV or representative of the community that is most at risk for being diagnosed with HIV

Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender

Community-based services, housing services and prevention services experience

Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications

Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance

Knowledge and adherence to social work standards and

OTHER INFORMATION:

Background and reference checks will be conducted. In accordance with Equitas Health’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered. Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload. Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment. Completing the application does not guarantee employment. EOE/AA

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