Care Technician/ Rap - Ryan Health | Nena

Position Overview:

Provide intensive prevention and support services to HIV positive and at-risk HIV negative populations; link them to primary care and support services through intensive outreach, escort services, advocacy, and health education, using various models, including Evidence-Based Interventions (EBI) especially pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to those at highest risk of contracting HIV in order to keep them HIV negative.  This work is carried out in support of the mission and goals of the Ryan Network.

Essential Functions:

• Assess patients for support services programs such as and case management services, through completion of intake/assessment, reassessment process and development of service plan. 
• Document all patient encounters in the electronic medical record, ensuring that client and patient records are maintained in accordance with agency protocols and standards.
• Conduct HIV testing as needed.
• Work with Center staff to identify current patients appropriate for PrEP.

• Educate potential patients about PrEP and encourage their participation in the program.
• Provide behavioral and adherence counseling for clients receiving PrEP treatment.
• Encourage increased acceptance of PrEP by educating community residents and agencies about the Centers program.
• Conduct community outreach to increase PrEP caseload.
• Provide home, hospital, or community site visits and escorts, as indicated in the patient’s service plan.
• Ensure coordination and intensive follow-up of medical, psychiatric and social services. Schedule and facilitate patients’ attendance at medical and other appointments.  
• Refer patients with overt psychiatric problems to mental health practitioners.  
• Implement, monitor, reassess and document activities related to the service plan to ensure that patient needs are met. 
• Conduct intensive case finding with hard to reach populations and those that have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from care.
• Practice accepted infection control measures in accordance with OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standards, and the Center’s policies and procedures.
• Collaborate and consult with team and other service providers in identifying service gaps for case planning activity.
• Develop and expand the network of communication and cooperation with other health, mental health, drug treatment, and social service provider agencies working with targeted populations.
• Advocate and negotiate services on behalf of patient, family and significant others, in accordance with Center policies and procedures.
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals to emergency services.
• Conduct group and individual level educational and behavioral interventions utilizing evidence-based curricula and educational materials.
• Assist in program compliance with funding requirements, including data collection and timely and accurate submission of information/reports to supervisor.
• Implement strategies to reach target populations.
• Educate patients regarding early medical intervention, options to reduce/modify stressors, and adherence to treatment regimens and appointment schedules.
• Attend required meetings, case conferences and supervision, as assigned.
• Provide presentations to promote the services of the program, participate in community outreach and education activities to promote the Program’s services.
• Attend conferences, in-service seminars and meetings, as assigned.
• Immediately report any problems/unusual occurrences to supervisor.
• Perform other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Minimum Experience and Skills Required:

• 1-2 years of social services, health education or care coordination experience.
• Experience providing supportive and/or educational services to HIV positive patients.
• Experience working with various intervention models. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Education, Licenses, and/or Certifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSW or BA in Health or Human Services 
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• HIV testing experience.

Competencies Required:

Customer Service: 

• Professional, courteous and respectful attitude in dealing with patients.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served (if applicable).
• Commits to exceeding the expectations of the patient.

Cooperation/Teamwork

• Works well with others.
• Contributes input to improve outcomes.
• Asks others for opinions and feedback; provides feedback in a tactful respectful way.

 Minimal Training Time:

90 actual workdays probationary period.

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear.

The employee is occasionally required to move about the office; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate office equipment.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is primarily in a mental health clinic and/or general primary care setting which includes the unpredictability in behaviors of individuals and acute and chronic infectious diseases which may be contagious.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  This position may be required to perform other duties.  If such work becomes a permanent and regular part of the job, a new description will be prepared.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ryan Network is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate because of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  We are committed to attracting, retaining and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.