Caseworker, (A246111-1), 206, Hiv Ryan White

The Ryan White Case Manager develops and or implements a health care service plan through comprehensive case management procedures; involves the client and family in the care plan; ensures that clients have an understanding of and responsibility of the plan; provides access to medical care; assists with providing supportive services; clarifies the function and responsibilities of the health care team staff members; assists the clients in overcoming barriers to their care; serves as the clients' advocate in the health care system; monitors the clients' progress in relation to the care plan and determines if modification is needed; maintains confidentiality of each case. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides case management intervention social services.
• Provides HIV/AIDS testing for clients in clinic and risk education to people living with HIV.
• Evaluates and conducts assessments using standardized tools.
• Engages in harm reduction counseling related to substance use/abuse, sexual health risks, and mental health.
• Generates program level reports on project activities.
• Provides risk reduction education and documents the accuracy and completeness of information provided to link clients to services.
• Interviews and screens clients to gather information for referral to appropriate agencies for medical or social services; ensures accepted interview practices are applied.
• Evaluates information obtained from interview with client to identify needs and barriers.
• Describes available resources and services to clients; provides referrals to proper organizations; ensures information provided is accurate and appropriate based on the client's needs.
• Visits client at place of residence when client lapses office, medical or follow up appointments.
• Composes narrative reports summarizing monthly activities; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeless of the same.
• Documents accurate and complete notes on client's progress or needs; inputs in TCT Program.
• Monitors and reviews client's charts for proper documentation on file.
• Assists walk-in clients needing assistance with applications, housing services, or other services.
• Serves as advocate for client's rights within the community.
• Maintains confidentiality as per City of Laredo Health Department's policies and procedures.
• Phlebotomy training is preferred.
• Administers HIV and STI testing for clients in clinic and out in the community through rapid testing or venipuncture.
• Conducts brief risk assessments and assist clients in creating individualized prevention plans based on their test results.
• Assists with patient assistance program applications for PrEP and PEP; conducts follow-ups with client. Gather needed documentation for application process.
• Collects and processes blood (finger-stick and venipuncture) and STI specimens, and prepare specimens for laboratory processing.
• Provides HIV test results to clients.
• Provides clear, understandable, current, and accurate information to clients, consumers, and community members.
• Provides information in a way that demonstrates respect, active listening skills, empathy and patience in a non-judgmental, stigma-free way.
• Provides HIV and STI education services to individuals in community health center/clinic setting and community settings reaching individuals at high-risk for HIV infection.
• Provides culturally relevant and culturally appropriate services at adult-themed venues catering to gay/bisexual men.
• Identifies individuals who know they are HIV-positive but are not in HIV medical care by receiving referrals, utilizing organizational information about missed appointments, and conducting outreach at various community organizations and venues.
• Provides crisis and short-term intervention for individuals as needed; ensures that clients requiring immediate crisis counseling receive appropriate linkage to licensed professionals.
• Serves as advocate for clients within the community.
• Complies with all program protocols; including those regarding confidentiality of client information.
• Enters client data into existing database systems; maintains client files.
• Completes continuing education as required by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Documents contacts and services; maintain files and data for reporting purposes.
• Required to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of case management skills.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS/STI, testing and health education available.
• Knowledge of health prevention and wellness strategies.
• Knowledge of health and community resources available and of proper health care delivery system.
• Knowledge of social and cultural behavior according to social-economic status, traditions and customs.
• Knowledge of community organizations communication and local culture.
• Knowledge of educational and outreach tools.
• Knowledge of conferences, workshops, and seminar development trainings.
• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures of the department to facilitate services to people of diverse backgrounds and to those living with HIV/AIDS.
• Knowledge of client confidentially and client rights according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to administer HIV Rapid Testing devices.
• Ability to effectively function as a team member.
• Ability to effectively communicate, connect and collaborate with local, regional, and national organizations to achieve the primary goals and objectives of this program.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other professional groups to exercise tact, initiative, and good judgment in dealing with people.
• Ability to prepare reports and recommendations for administrative use.
• Ability to assess people and their situations with accuracy and clarity.
• Ability to apply case management procedures.
• Ability to understand the policies, procedures, and services of the department or agency.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Never

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Vehicles

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases

Travel Position will require the employee to travel
Sometimes:

• Local travel
• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or related field
• At least three (3) years of experience in casework management or related field
  
  *Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Desirable Licenses or Certifications

• Social Worker license by the State of Texas
• Temporary or Full Professional License in Substance Abuse Counseling related field by the State of Texas (i.e. Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor)

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
Employment Type: Full-time