PrEP Specialist

Description

Be a part of the mission at Whitney Young Health (WYH) to provide high quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible to our diverse community.

WYH has a robust benefits package including generous time off, affordable health, dental and vision insurance, 401k with safe harbor employer match, tuition reimbursement, term life insurance, commuter benefits and more!

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The PrEP Specialist is a member of the Community Prevention and Treatment Services Team. This position works directly with patients to educate them on the benefits and administration of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the interest of remaining HIV negative. Populations served by CPTS PrEP Specialist consist primarily of individuals facing social health disparities. This includes but is not limited to individuals living with substance use disorder, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people of varying disability status, and individuals seeking gender-affirming care. These services are provided to patients regardless of race, ethnicity, age, income status, gender expression and/or orientation, and sexuality. The PrEP Specialist is responsible for assessing the needs of the patient throughout all stages of PrEP medication management. This includes educating individuals on the importance of sexual health and awareness, risk reduction, and adherence counseling. The PrEP Specialist ensures that patients are effectively linked to care, receive routine lab work confirming their HIV negative status while on PrEP, and are offered testing for sexually transmitted infections on a quarterly basis. This position conducts community outreach to promote the importance and overall use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The role of the PrEP Specialist is to provide whole-person centered care to patients who are prescribed this preventative medication while promoting the message that PrEP is for everyone. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports enrolled PrEP participants in medication adherence and appointment attendance.
• Coordinates face to face or over the phone intakes with individuals who are interested in PrEP services.
• Promotes a holistic approach to primary care by assessing needs through quarterly Social Determinant of Health, Mental Health, substance use, and program re-assessment screenings.
• Responsible for coordinating care for PrEP patients, including appointment scheduling, transportation to medical appointments, scheduling external specialty appointments, insurance navigation, and any other patient-specific needs.
• Coordinates and collaborates with local pharmacies to reduce barriers for timely access to affordable PrEP medication, including copay assistance programs for underinsured or uninsured individuals.
• Regularly performs outreach and provides PrEP and sexual health group education to populations receiving services from local community based organizations as well as staff at these organizations.
• Provides rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing to individuals during outreach sessions at local CBOs if requested, ensuring that individuals are aware of their status and linked to care and treatment if necessary.
• Leads discussions virtually/in person about PrEP education and its effectiveness at both community and state levels.
• Responsible for ethical documentation of all patient visits, care coordination services, and lab results in both Athena and AIRS, including PrEP education, adherence, side effects, and risk reduction.
• Demonstrates knowledge of development across the lifespan, cultural and linguistic norms of minority populations and subpopulations, and awareness of socioeconomic health disparities as it pertains to medical and mental health treatment and prognosis.
• Responsible for submitting monthly program reports highlighting outreach activities, referrals made to the PrEP program, active engagement services, and program successes and challenges.
• Deliver in-house PrEP educational program for providers and clinic staff on an ongoing basis with emphasis to barriers to PrEP uptake. 
• Develop PrEP educational and promotional/outreach materials in collaboration with Development staff for community residents, WMY patients, and other community partner agencies.
• Participate in provider meetings to address barriers in identifying and enrolling high-risk individuals who are appropriate for PrEP.
• Attend off-site community events; including weekends, to promote PrEP services at WMY
• Provide comprehensive care coordination services for patients with emphasis on barriers to treatment adherence. 
• Routinely assess the need for partner services, including partner notification assistance, and make referrals as needed.
• Participates in monthly CPTS team meetings to measure progress towards accomplishment of work plan goals and objectives.
• Participates in Performance Improvement/Continuous Quality Improvement activities, as assigned.
• Participates in regular trainings pertaining to PrEP services, cultural competency and infectious disease education.
• Remains current and up-to-date on issues related to HIV and PrEP.
• Demonstrates excellence in both internal and external customer service.
• Understands and is able to effectively communicate HIPAA compliance, corporate compliance and client confidentiality.
• Ensures and/or remains in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Adheres to the National Patient Safety Goals as defined by the Joint Commission and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate’s degree in a human services related field and 3 years’ experience providing case management/care coordination in a community and human services agency. Strong written and verbal communication skills; Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates a high level of cultural competency. Has the ability to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. Has a working knowledge of computers/technology. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a human services related field with (2) years of work experience providing case management/care coordination services with one of the following populations: persons with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Substance Use and/or Behavioral Health Conditions. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with public speaking a plus. Strong working knowledge of commuters/technology and databases. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.

Salary Range: $21.00 - $23.00 hourly