Summary:

The HIV CTS (Counseling & Testing Services) & HEARTLine Specialist is responsible for HIV counseling, testing and screening activities at key community locations and works as a member of Project HEART – the HIV Education and Advocacy Response Team – that serves as an agency clearinghouse for HIV/AIDS information, referral and direct support to people living with HIV disease, their caregivers and the larger Middle Tennessee community. HIV CTS & HL Specialists also provide vital, professional relationship building with CARES clients and staff to achieve the agency’s mission to end the HIV epidemic in Middle Tennessee.  This position works closely with the Associate Director of Prevention & Education Services and HEARTLine Coordinator to promote/cultivate/encourage community HIV testing and behavioral change and increase use of bio-medical and structural interventions by community members at high risk for or living with HIV.  This position also works to ensure seamless linkage and retention to care for HIV positive people along with the Early Intervention Services team.

RESPONSIBILITES:

HIV CTS

  • Conducts HIV CTS at key clinical locations and collaborates with staff and volunteers to assure the completion of 10,000 HIV tests annually.
  • Splits shifts at clinical settings with another hybrid HIV CTS/ HL Specialist to mutually achieve the site’s specific goal.
  • Work minimally 3 days a week at an assigned clinical site, St. Thomas Midtown ED, Vanderbilt Hospital ED or Nashville General Hospital at Meharry ED to provide HIV CTS to patients and visitors.
  • 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.”
  • 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 Testing Manager, as needed, with output and outcome assessment of activities.

 

CLIENT SERVICES:

  • Facilitates caller/walk-in access to HIV/AIDS information, CARES services and resources to other community organizations in the HEARTline 2 days a week.
  • Distributes food bags and bus passes to clients; assists Nutrition Coordinator with stocking HEARTLine food shelves.
  • Addresses caller/walk-in emotional/crisis circumstances.
  • Drives agency van to transport clients between office and bus stop.
  • Maintains and updates resource tools for Project HEART, Case Management and other CARES Services.
  • Assists treatment team members and assigned clients in the implementation of individualized care plans. This includes but is not limited to: scheduling appointments, assisting with paperwork, providing information and referral for medical, insurance, entitlement, housing, education, employment, and other identified services.
  • Maintains needed and appropriate documentation of all services provided consistent with department and team Quality Assurance standards.
  • Assists with coordination and facilitation of monthly Clarksville support group.

 

 

GENERAL DUTIES:

  1. Adheres to agency, department and team policies and procedures.
  2. Participates in agency, department and team meetings and events, collection of data/information, and Continuous Quality Improvement strategies.
  3. Performs other duties as designated by a supervisor or agency.