LINKAGE SPECIALIST

Job Title: Linkage Specialist Dept: Prevention & Harm Reduction Services Reports to: Linkage Program Manager / Testing Program Manager / Director of Prevention & Harm Reduction Services Employment Status: Full-Time (35 hours/week) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Salary Range: $21.50 – $22.50 hourly Location: Syracuse, NY Position Summary: The Linkage Specialist connects individuals to essential health and social services that promote well‑being and reduce risk. This position builds trusting relationships with clients, provides information and referrals, and helps individuals navigate healthcare and community resources to improve overall health outcomes. Authority and Independence: The Linkage Specialist works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment within established agency policies and program guidelines. The role requires maintaining confidentiality, managing multiple priorities, and conducting community outreach with professionalism and cultural sensitivity. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience Associate degree in health, human services, or a related field; OR four years of experience providing direct services in a non‑profit or social service agency serving diverse populations (e.g., persons of color, LGBTQ+, people who use drugs, or individuals with behavioral health needs); OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience delivering stigma‑free, nonjudgmental, and culturally competent services. Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis; experience working with young gay men/YMSM is helpful but not required. Other Requirements Valid New York State driver’s license. Reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work‑related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport (personal ownership not required). Successful completion of required background screenings, including Medicaid/OMIG checks. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for meetings, workshops, outreach, and events. Primary Responsibilities Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27‑F and HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols. Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPAA. Provide HIV and sexually transmitted disease screening to locate previously undiagnosed HIV and STD positive individuals and link them to care. Links to acute care for presenting medical issues, preventive services, and facilitated referrals for ongoing primary care, partner services, sub‑specialty medical care, and behavioral health treatment services for individuals who engage in substance use. Conduct enhanced outreach in the community, targeting high‑risk sub‑populations of individuals to promote and facilitate access to HIV counseling and testing services, individual and group level HIV/STD/HCV education and risk reduction counseling, and other HIV prevention interventions and supportive services. Work interdepartmentally to recruit HIV positive clients and high‑risk HIV negative clients for adherence counseling and other prevention services to maximize viral suppression with an emphasis on Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U). Facilitates access to PrEP. Maintain an active caseload of 12‑20 individual participants for Linkage & Navigation and PrEP adherence services. Provides individuals with Protocol Based Counseling activities and one on one counseling, including: counseling, risk assessment and development of a corresponding risk reduction plan, testing for HIV/STD/HCV antibodies, and referrals for HIV/STD/HGV‑related services; PrEP and Antiretroviral therapy adherence. Implementation of designated interventions outlined in assigned work plan. Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with the Prevention Department’s policy and procedures. Prepare all required reports and supporting data assigned by the Director of Prevention, or their designee. Complete accurate monthly, quarterly and/or annual report(s) within agency and departmental guidelines. Attend community provider meetings/committee, external trainings, and other professional development activities that address the priority population(s) issues and concerns and relevant skills. Assist with annual community and program needs assessment activities. Identify and develop networking relationships with community-based organizations, representing the agency in a professional manner during these interactions. Assist with the general work of the Prevention Department and agency, including special projects and general agency program/initiatives. Participate in appropriate and applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum‑based training annually, as per agency and contract requirements. Participate as a culturally competent member of the Prevention Department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities. Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other appropriate organizational components. Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative. Perform other duties as assigned by the Linkage Program Manager, Testing Program Manager, Director of Prevention & Harm Reduction Services, Chief Program Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer. Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Generous paid time off and holiday pay. Life Insurance. 403(b) retirement savings plan with agency contributions. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Disclaimer This job description provides an overview of primary duties and responsibilities. It is not exhaustive; additional consistent tasks may be assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr