Job Description

The Prevention Health Navigator is responsible for the implementation of health navigation services at Equitas Health. The individual will be responsible for organizing and conducting all aspects of the program, including recruiting and engagement/outreach, screening and enrolling, assessment, and coordination of all referrals to other service providers. The Prevention Health Navigator will also conduct client-centered HIV test counseling services to individuals voluntarily seeking HIV testing services both onsite and offsite. They will also provide community education regarding the importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, linkage to care, and will enroll eligible participants into programming. This position promotes the independence, stability, and health of persons at high risk of attaining HIV and those living with HIV/AIDS by providing culturally competent health navigation services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, planning, organizing, implementing and facilitating group and outreach activities, traveling, driving or having reliable transportation, utilizing a computer for typing and data inputting, online outreach, and conducting research; attending meetings; and presenting to small and large groups.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provide high quality health navigation for clients by assisting them to access medical services, health insurance, and other resources and services to improve health outcomes.

• Conduct evidenced based HIV prevention interventions in accordance with grant and funder guidelines.
• Community based presentations on sexual health and the importance of biomedical HIV prevention interventions.
• Recruitment via collaboration with DIS, Equitas Health client services, self-referral, physicians, Equitas Health testing sites, health fairs, and other community resources.
• Plan and conduct ongoing evaluation of how the intervention is meeting established goals and fidelity.
• Provide client centered HIV test counseling services (CTR).
• Represent the community at local and state HIV prevention planning and/or community groups.
• Build and maintain a positive and professional relationship with funders and other community organizations.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on program activities, including ensuring data is entered timely and accurately into the necessary data system.

• Complete assessments as needed, that focus on specific barriers and assist the client in successfully overcoming barriers to HIV prevention. Prevention Health Navigators will assist clients in completing and submitting all necessary documentation related to these assessments.
• Function as a central and primary access point for financial assistance programs, including but not limited to Prevention Assistance Program Interventions (PAPI), Gilead Patient Assistance Program, and other assistance programs as appropriate. Prevention Health Navigators will complete and submit paperwork as is needed to support client in maintaining these assistance programs.

• Provide input and support to the prevention and education department.
• Keeping informed about current HIV/STI trends, developments, and co-factors to transmission (i.e., AOD, Mental Health, etc.), as well as state-of-the-art prevention efforts and strategies.
• Keeping informed about current trends for People who inject drugs (PWID) and harm reduction strategies
• Keeping informed about current Intimate Partner violence (IPV) and Domestic Violence (DV) trends within LGBTQ+ communities.
• Willingness to operate large mobile sprinter van for community based healthcare service events.
• Assisting Prevention Program Manager with report writing, as assigned.
• Ensure confidentiality of program participants.
• Ensure that all trainings are current and culturally humble.
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/LICENSURE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Expertise with LGBTQIA+ communities required.
• Medical Assistant Certificate is an asset.
• Strong customer service skills and/or experience preferred.
• Experience related to community engagement, advocacy, or organizing preferred.
• Strong understating and commitment to anti-oppression principles and values.

• Must have a reliable means of transportation and adequate insurance, as statewide travel will be required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications

• A background in HIV and STI prevention and education and/or knowledge of the field, and experience with information and referral services is preferred.
• Experience in developing culturally appropriate marketing materials and campaigns is preferred.
• Must have strong written and verbal communications.
• Public speaking and group facilitation experience is preferred.
• Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, harm reduction, and a demonstrated competence in working with Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) communities.
• Must have or acquire (within three months of employment) an HIV Prevention Counselor Training Certificate and training in testing technologies utilized by the agency if required by region.
• Adept knowledge in Microsoft Office Products required.
• Ability to maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality.

• Experience in phlebotomy preferred.
• Ability to document and assess client’s linguistic needs and identify resources needed to enhance communication.
• Familiarity with the local and national epidemiological distribution of HIV disease.
• Group facilitation and presentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills a must.
• Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.