Overview:
The Retention & Adherence Specialist conducts outreach, intake, assessments, screenings and medical case management for persons living with HIV who have not achieved viral suppression. Reports to the Program Manager, the Retention and Adherence Program.
Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Retention and Adherence Specialist include but are not limited to:
Conducts outreach along with Peer Navigators to link patients to care or reengage patients in care. Engage newly diagnosed patients referred to other areas. Manages a caseload of patients and completes initial assessments/ reassessments, case conference notes and services plans with the patients assigned to determine progress in program. Assists patients with no insurance with obtaining ADAP, Medicaid or other insurances. Conducts eligibility screening and intakes using approved protocols and forms and documents information in the electronic medical record. Presents cases at the Multidisciplinary Case Conferences to discuss patients progress, and/or barriers to achieving viral suppression and documents outcomes of case conference for each patient discussed, in the EMR using the Case Conference template. Collaborates with the patients assigned to the Peer Educator to develop plan to meet patients care needs. Conducts home visits to re-engage patients lost to care. Documents all patient encounters and attempts to contact patients in progress notes in the EMR. Completes daily AIRS encounter form and log sheet and submits to the Data Management Specialist at the end of each week for entry into AIRS. Assists or leads adherence group activities with the Program Manager and the Peer Navigator. Attends HIV/AIDS forums, work groups and conferences to stay abreast of trends and changes within the HIV related care and treatment. Provides timely and appropriate referrals to onsite and offsite service providers as appropriate. Participates in QA/PI activities. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education: High School or GED required. Bachelors Degree in Human Services or other related field preferred. Experience: One (1) to five (5) years experience working in the field of HIV prevention, treatment and adherence. A minimum of three (3) years of job-related experience. Knowledge and Skills: Ability to use verbal and nonverbal calming techniques to prevent crisis situations. Proficiency with Office PC's, Desktops, and Laptop software in addition to familiarity with Microsoft Office softwares to include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Good interpersonal skills a must. Bilingual candidates highly preferred. Good written and verbal communication skills. Physical Requirements: Position may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, talking, sitting, hearing, and bending throughout the work day. May include some repetitive motions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions without compromising patient care. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS), and Interfaith Medical Center (IMC). One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS), and Interfaith Medical Center are an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.