Summary:  The HIV Counseling & Testing Specialist is responsible for HIV counseling, testing and screening activities at key community locations identified through socio-demographic and epidemiological tracking of the regional HIV epidemic.  This position works closely with the Early Intervention and Clinical Site Services Manager to promote/cultivate/encourage community HIV testing and behavioral change, and increased use of bio-medical and structural interventions by community members at extremely high risk for HIV infection.  This position also works to ensure seamless linkage to care for HIV positive people along with the Early Intervention Services team.

 

RESPONSIBILITES:

  • Conducts HIV CTS at key outreach locations and utilizes staff and volunteers to assure rapid screening goals are met.
  • Work minimally 4 days a week at an assigned clinical site, St. Thomas Midtown ED / Vanderbilt Hospital ED / Metro General ED / and a designated shift at the Meharry Dental Clinic, to provide HIV CTS to achieve a total of 2,400 tests.
  • Work as a supportive team member in order to ensure completion of 10,000 HIV tests overall.
  • Conducts One-on-One education through motivational interviewing and/or social network strategy, HIV CTS to partners and families, educational luncheons, and healthy relationships series for HIV+ women. Must have excellent presentation/facilitation skills.
  • Build and maintain helpful professional relationships with clinical staff, providing education and support.
  • Assist team with coverage of on-site, walk-in HIV testing as the “Educator on Duty.”
  • Design, develop and coordinate a minimum of 2 community CTS screening events per year.
  • Works with groups of certified volunteers to assist program staff in expanding testing services to the community at large.
  • Work alongside CTS team to achieve testing and outreach at local/community colleges.
  • Assists in development of community partnerships to enhance and optimize resources in advancing HIV prevention testing initiatives.
  • Works closely with EIS and other staff outreach workers to ensure standardized continuity of referral and linkage to care, prevention and social services for newly diagnosed or lost to care clients.
  • Documents activities, adheres to intervention and safety protocols, and assists the Associate Director of Prevention and Education, as needed, with output and outcome assessment of activities.
  • Attends departmental, agency and community meetings as directed; complies with agency and department policies and procedures.
  • Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor or agency.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors degree in health or social service field strongly preferred; extensive HIV knowledge and sensitivity; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work as part of a multicultural, multi-component education team.  The position involves direct education and community outreach as well as program development and monitoring.  Work hours will be flexible; must be able to work evenings and weekends.  Use of a car and automobile insurance are required.  Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift 20 pounds.