Community Health Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $35,000 - $38,000

Classification : Full-Time / Exempt

Reports To : Site Director

Supervisory Responsibilities : No

Classification Level : Entry

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Site Director, the Community Health Specialist will conduct targeted outreach, health screening, and PrEP recruitment to high-risk communities in office and mobile health unit.

This position may be asked to attend local, regional, and national training, attend nontraditional schedules, outreach, and events.

Responsibilities Include, but not limited to :

• Communicate reminders for upcoming appointments to patients.
• Verifies patient information by interviewing patients; recording history, and confirming the purpose of the visit.
• Complete vitals, print out labs and provide information verbally to providers.
• Provide HIV / HCV / STI screening (point of care and self-testing, urine screening) and counseling and glucose screening as needed to at-risk populations in compliance with strict standards of CDC and Departments of Health.
• Provide directions on collecting urine and swab specimens for routine and STI screening to patients.
• Prepares specimens and delivers specimens to labs.
• Retrieves results from the lab and forwards to appropriate providers.
• Provides test results to patients professionally and ethically.
• Provides follow-up care to patients via phone, text, share media, and / or client’s preferred method.
• Enters data into EHR and other related portals and maintains client records.
• Secures client information and maintains client confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records, and keeping patient information confidential.
• Contacts insurance / patient assistant programs for pre-approvals as needed.
• Contacts patients for follow-up and delivery of results as needed.
• Conducts targeted outreach to high-risk individuals. Engage individuals in their neighborhoods or venues where they typically congregate to provide HIV / HAV / HCV / Syphilis -related health information, education, referrals, and linkage to services.
• Provide HIV / HCV / Syphilis screening (point of care and self-testing) and counseling and Referrals as needed to at-risk populations in compliance with strict standards of CDC and Departments of Health.
• Support outreach team by assisting them with their needs during outreach
• Develop recruitment plans to identify and engage program participants
• Provide effective condom education and distribute condoms to high-risk individuals.
• Helps clients develop the skills they need to practice safer sex and negotiate condom use
• Review and ensure that all client paperwork is complete in its entirety
• Maintains accurate and complete participant records, tracking contact, participation, outreach, counseling, testing, and referrals performance as defined by evidence-based models and local / state / federal entities.
• Ensures maintenance of the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) by creating an inventory checklist and requesting supplies when needed.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following standards and procedures, and complying with legal regulations.
• Follows OSHA guidelines relating to proper use of handling PPE, needles, bloodborne pathogens, and disposing of biohazardous materials.
• Serves and protects the agency by adhering to professional standards, policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local requirements.
• Adheres to strict procedures of confidentiality, release of information, and data security.
• Represents the organization at community events and meetings when assigned.
• Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and make sound decisions in crisis situations
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail when processing paperwork
• Exceptional attendance with the ability to arrive at outreach events and shifts on time
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor
• Spanish Fluency is a plus

Qualifications needed to perform duties :

• High School diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of qualified experience; or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Experience related to HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD policies and programs training
• Experience and certification in HIV and VH testing and counseling
• Ability to adhere to OSHA regulations and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Computer literacy with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally as well as in writing.
• Displays strong customer service skills with the ability to interact with staff in a professional, calm, patient, and welcoming manner.
• Possesses strong time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure while handling multiple projects.
• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail when processing paperwork.
• Exceptional attendance record with the ability to consistently arrive to work on time.
• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to work both independently and in a group environment.
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment and interact with marginalized individuals and communities.
• Displays respect for peers, supervisors, and clients.

Physical Requirements :

• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs at times
• Participation in community outreach which involves prolonged periods of standing (Community Outreach initiatives occur year-round)
• Ability to work efficiently in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to adjust to flexible schedules as published by the site director, including late-night and weekend shifts throughout all seasons

EEOC Disclaimer

GHRC is an Equal Employment Opportunity. We will not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.