Peer Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY :

This position is within JPAFHC's Wellness Department and is funded through New York State's AIDS Institute's High Impact Prevention Services for Communities of Color (HIPS) program. The goals of this program aim to increase the number of individuals aware of the HIV status through community testing and outreach; increase the use of condoms, PrEP, and PEP to prevent HIV transmission; and to address social determinants of health (SDOH) that impact the ability of individuals to attend to their sexual health needs. This position will be required to travel to all five of JPAFHC's clinics in The Rockaways, Jamaica, and Red Hook.


The Peer Navigator is responsible for coordinating care for patients by screening patients for HIV prevention and SDOH needs; developing action plans with the patients to address their HIV and SDOH needs; arranging linkage to care for patients in need of PrEP, PEP, STI screening, or primary care; and referring patients to other programs and agencies to address their SDOH needs.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide culturally competent education on HIV prevention, PrEP, PEP, and available social services to JPAFHC patients at point-of-care and to community members at outreach events.


2. Perform case management for patients by performing screening and intake assessments; developing action plans with the patients; providing appointment reminders; referring patients to other programs and agencies as needed; and ensuring that patients are receiving the HIV prevention care best suited to their needs.


3. Conduct rapid HIV and syphilis testing, delivering results with empathy and ensure clients are connected rapidly to supportive services using the status neutral approach.

4. Coordinate linkages to care for clients seeking HIV prevention methods including PrEP and PEP, employment services, housing, SNAP, WIC, substance use/harm reduction, health insurance, mental health, and other health related social needs.


5. Ensure appropriate follow-up and successful connection to referral agency for client referrals to external resources such as substance use treatment, mental health services, restorative justice, legal services, and nutrition support.

6. Maintain accurate and updated patient records in the EMR and in the AIDS Institute platform including patient contacts, education, counseling, testing, and referrals, as required by JPAFHC, governmental, or contract partner policy.

7. Reduce barriers to obtaining clinical/care services by working with providers and other clinic staff to ensure that HIV prevention is treated as primary care.

8. Prepare and present appropriate educational and other materials, using harm reduction approaches and evidence-based information.

9. Support Prevention Educators with planning and coordinating educational outreach events including those targeted to at-risk communities.

10. Work closely with Care Teams across the JPA network to provide high quality comprehensive care to patients throughout JPAFHC clinics.

11. Participate in staff meetings and staff development trainings.

12. Perform special projects and other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate Degree in Health Education, Public Health, Social Work, or related field preferred. In lieu of degree, two years minimum work or volunteer experience in field with patient contact


2. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS are strongly encouraged to apply

3. 2 years case management experience preferred

4. Must have cultural competency and comfort working with LGBTQ populations and communities of color

5. Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well with electronic medical records preferred

6. Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to handle multiple assignments at any time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.