Peer Support Specialist III (Intensive Community Work (iCW)

Position Overview New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), integrates education, clinical care, and research to improve human health. The department houses eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers focused on cancer, neuroscience, biotechnology, environmental health, and aging research. Faculty serve as teachers, clinicians, and scientists, advancing medical innovation and patient care. Clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state, including Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Newark University Hospital. Posting Summary Rutgers seeks a Peer Support Specialist III (Intensive Community Work (iCW)) in the Department of Medicine within the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). The primary purpose is to connect and engage clients who have lost follow‑up or never accessed care, serve as a role model demonstrating recovery and wellness principles, and provide non‑clinical support to pursue and maintain health and wellness. The specialist works as a community liaison, collaborates with the medical case management team to address barriers to connection and retention, supports the care team through integrated care management and community outreach, provides reliable information and emotional support, and helps clients access services and resources and address adherence issues through individual and group sessions. Responsibilities Introduce community health worker services to all newly diagnosed and new to clinic patients. Assist the medical case management team with caseloads of newly diagnosed and lost to follow‑up patients. Assist the medical case management team with collection of necessary documents and submission of applications for housing, emergency financial assistance and medication assistance. Manage an assigned caseload. Provide intensive adherence counseling to patients that are not virally suppressed for more than six months. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience High School Diploma or equivalent required. Three (3) years of training and/or experience involving knowledge of the Newark area and community resources, firsthand understanding of issues related to living with HIV or AIDS, and/or active participation in community activities and support groups. Equivalent experience, education, and/or training may be substituted for the education or experience requirements. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to maneuver electronic medical record systems. Demonstrated interest in serving the community. Ability to work independently and seek guidance or assistance when necessary. Good listening skills. Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals. Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of people regardless of creed, race, or sexuality. Preferred Qualifications Sensitivity to a substance abuse environment. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish). Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary by position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage. Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs. Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options. Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable). Life insurance coverage. Employee discount programs. Salary ranges for this position: Minimum $26.730, Mid Range $27.230, Maximum $28.050. Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Requirement to walk 2/3 of the time; sit 2/3 of the time; use hands to fingers, handle or feel 2/3 of the time; reach with hands and arms 1/3 of the time; talk or hear 2/3 of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Moderate noise (e.g., business office with computers and printers, light to moderate traffic). Exposure to blood‑borne pathogens requiring use of personal protective equipment. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Rutgers is an equal employment opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at the following web address: Pre‑employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, Rutgers may require prospective employees to provide proof of vaccination against seasonal influenza for the current flu season unless a medical or religious exemption is granted. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or obtain an exemption may result in rescission of an offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rutgers University