Infectious Disease

General Description:

This is a full-time, benefited position, working 37.5 hours a week. Scheduled hours will be at the Suffolk County House of Correction (HOC), with occasional hours at the Suffolk County Jail (SCJ). The Infectious Disease Navigator will facilitate integrated HIV, viral Hepatitis, and STI education, risk assessments, testing, and linkage to treatment services within the facilities and the community. The Infectious Disease Navigator will be expected to work collaboratively with the Department's medical providers, infectious disease coordinator, medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) team and programming Divisions to timely link patients living with HIV and those at high risk for HIV acquisition to services, including enrollment in the HIV and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Drug Assistance programs. Additionally, they will make referrals to other support programs/services within the Department, as well as reentry and discharge planning for patients living with HIV and Hepatitis C.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in Public Health, health sciences, Nursing, Social Work or related fields is preferred. Two years of related work experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience considered. Knowledge of the community and familiarity with HIV, HCV, STI prevention programs and services, as well as, harm reduction approach to substance use, including overdose education and naloxone distribution programming preferred. This role will provide support to public health officials in response to disease outbreak investigations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High level of professional conduct
• Bilingual: English and Spanish

• Training and experience in HIV testing and or counseling
• Current knowledge of local and state-wide resources for patients living with HIV (including PrEP/PEP, housing assistance, support groups, substance use treatment, case management etc.)
• Ability to develop and facilitate educational risk reduction programs to the population
• Knowledge of medical terminology and diagnostic testing methods
• Familiar with current STI testing and research methods
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with persons of varying educational and cultural backgrounds
• Familiarity with applicable laws regarding confidentiality and release of health information
• Follow all HIPAA compliance and regulations in accordance to local, state, and national regulations.
• Possess excellent organizational skills and abilities to work well independent of constant supervision
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports
• Excellent computer and data management skills

General Duties:


Education

The Infectious Disease Navigator will provide education, information and screening opportunities for HIV/HCV/STI's during intake, initial medical assessment or soon after admission into the facility, as well as throughout the patient's time in custody. The navigator will provide one on one education with individuals in regard to treatment, discharge/reentry planning and community continuum of care. The navigator will facilitate groups with the population on related topics.


Testing

The navigator will coordinate delivery of HIV, HCV, and syphilis, as well as gonorrhea and chlamydia testing to individuals. The navigator will collaborate with the Department's medical providers to facilitate these tests through submission of blood, urine, and oral swabs to the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) per MDPH protocols. The navigator will provide patients with test results and provide one on one education regarding services and treatment that are accessible in the facility and in the community. The navigator will maintain records regarding testing results and will collaborate with DPH and BPHC as needed and will comply with any required reporting requirements.


Linkage to Care/Discharge Planning

This position will also include providing one on one linkage to care services provided to newly diagnosed or HIV positive persons who have fallen out of care. This includes assisting patients with HIV Drug Assistance Programs, PrEPDAP, scheduling post release appointments with outside medical providers, and assisting individuals with SUD histories with substance use prevention resources including medically assisted treatment options.


The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work to be performed. Job duties and assignments may be modified as needs and demands of the job dictate or as the supervisor deems appropriate. The job description provides general information considered necessary to depict the major responsibilities of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the required work that may be inherent in the job.


RESPONSIBILIITES

• Coordinates testing and educational activities relating to HIV, HCV, and other STI's
• Maintains quarterly statistics and submits to supervisor and/or designee for grant purposes
• Maintains confidentiality of medical records and medical information
• Provides educational services and programs to the population
• Maintains knowledge of and relationships with service providers throughout the Commonwealth
• Provides referrals to local providers
• Works collaboratively with all staff

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications:
Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in Public Health, health sciences, Nursing, Social Work or related fields is preferred. Two years of related work experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience considered. Knowledge of the community and familiarity with HIV, HCV, STI prevention programs and services, as well as, harm reduction approach to substance use, including overdose education and naloxone distribution programming preferred. This role will provide support to public health officials in response to disease outbreak investigations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High level of professional conduct
• Bilingual: English and Spanish

• Training and experience in HIV testing and or counseling
• Current knowledge of local and state-wide resources for patients living with HIV (including PrEP/PEP, housing assistance, support groups, substance use treatment, case management etc.)
• Ability to develop and facilitate educational risk reduction programs to the population
• Knowledge of medical terminology and diagnostic testing methods
• Familiar with current STI testing and research methods
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with persons of varying educational and cultural backgrounds
• Familiarity with applicable laws regarding confidentiality and release of health information
• Follow all HIPAA compliance and regulations in accordance to local, state, and national regulations.
• Possess excellent organizational skills and abilities to work well independent of constant supervision
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports
• Excellent computer and data management skills