PrEP Counselor

ON-SITE POSITION

MAJOR FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator, the PrEP Navigator will assess clients’ suitability for PrEP, and is responsible for assisting HIV high-risk negative clients in initiating, adhering to, and managing a PrEP regimen.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide rapid HIV test to clients, used for basis of next steps.
• Assess and address clients’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding PrEP.
• Assessment of clients’ level of risk to determine appropriateness for PrEP.
• Engage identified high-risk individuals in discussions regarding HIV risk reduction and all manner of PrEP information, to include at a minimum:

• What is required of the client to ensure that PrEP is maximally effective;
• The potential side effects of PrEP medication(s);
• Schedule of medical follow-up visits for monitoring health status relative to possible side effects; and
• Discussion of relationship situations when PrEP may no longer be appropriate.

• Assess clients’ intentions to initiate and comply with a PrEP regimen.
• Assess clients’ health insurance status.
  • Assist/refer clients with prior authorizations, insurance enrollment and pharmaceutical company required application and enrollment in medication assistance program as appropriate.
  • Provide clients with completed prior authorization paperwork for them to take with them when they see the PrEP prescriber.
• Evaluate clients’ access to primary care providers.
• Identify clients’ transportation needs.
• Assist clients in the development of their adherence plan.
• Provide sexual risk reduction counseling regarding HIV and STIs.
• Monitor clients to ensure regimen adherence and clinical follow-up visits, which may include:
  • Appointment reminders using appropriate technology (texting, social media, interventions etc.)
  • Delivery of evidence-based strategies, which may include but are not limited to:
    • Every Dose Every Day Mobile Application
    • PEER Support
    • Partnership for Health Medication Adherence
    • SMART Couples
  • Familiarity with CDC’s publication “ Optimizing Entry Into and Retention in HIV Care and ART Adherence for PLWHA ”.
  • Provide tracking and follow-up with the client and/or provider 90 days after initiation of PrEP.
• Work collaboratively with clinical PrEP providers.
• Monitor and evaluate PrEP program as directed by management.
• Collect program data and in-put in NJDOH/DHSTS PrEP data management system as required.
• Compile and report program results/indicators.
  • Number of clients provided education and counseling services.
    • Source of PrEP referral (partners of HIV+ clients, CBOs that serve the target population, word of mouth, private physicians, primary care clinics, STD clinics, etc.).
  • Number of interested clients for whom PrEP is indicated.
  • Number of clients for whom PrEP is not indicated.
  • Number referred to receive PrEP prescriptions and follow-up medical services.
  • Number who attend their first visit to PrEP clinical site.
  • Number who initiate PrEP.
  • Number who make 90-day visit to PrEP site.
  • Number remaining on PrEP at 3, 6, and 12 months.
  • Link PrEP patients to other resources as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain strict patient confidentiality protocols as required by Henry J. Austin’s Patient Confidentiality Code of Conduct Policy and NJDOH/DHSTS per HIPPA regulations.
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as apparent and/or as assigned by HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience as an HIV tester/counselor.
• Experienced in delivery of HIV services.
• Experience working with population at high risk for HIV, STI infection. Must

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid New Jersey Driver’s license.
• Participate in NJDOH PrEP Counselor training within the first 6 months of hire for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER (KSAO’s)

• Computer literate.
• Knowledge of public and community health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of STI/HIV prevention principles and strategies directed at high risk populations, STI/HIV case management principles and procedures, and epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory services related to HIV and STIs.
• Knowledge of community organizations and agencies related to HIV and STIs.
• Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to write reports.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff and representatives from other agencies.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Bi-lingual Spanish/English highly desirable
• Ability to work with and establish rapport with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Sensitivity to alternative and diverse lifestyles and ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to remain calm, client focused and helpful under stress.
• Possess good computer skills including ability to utilize multiple databases, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office software.

PHYSICAL & WORK REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend, and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials.

SALARY:
$57,300 - $81,400