Hiv Care Navigator

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Entity: The Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania
Location: Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Department: Infectious Disease
Hours: Full time, Day Shift
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center is looking for a full-time HIV Care Navigator for the Infectious disease department.
The HIV Care Navigator reports to the Ryan White Program Manager at Penn Community Practice/Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. The Navigator is responsible for assuring that patients are linked and engaged in quality HIV services at Penn. The Navigator will work directly with patients across the health system. The Navigator will work closely with the Emergency Department and other sites that conduct HIV testing. For patients with reactive HIV test results, the Navigator will make every effort to meet them face-to-face and offer support and counseling. The Navigator along with the HIV team at Penn Medicine will establish a campus-wide campaign to Ending the HIV Epidemic in Philadelphia. The Navigator will also work with designated Penn Medicine ambulatory practices who want to re-engage patients with HIV who have fallen out of care. The Navigator is responsible for implementing and assuring that proper documentation and activities are in compliance with appropriate agency, city and funding regulations as stipulated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Responsibilities:
Participate in the Ending the HIV Epidemic at Penn Medicine and with other University City-designated medicine practices.
Work with Emergency Departments to create a model to ensure appropriate patients are offered re-engagement to HIV treatment and care.
Provide patients with a comprehensive explanation of HIV/AIDS, STI's, and HIV viral load suppression and risk of transmission.
Conduct an accurate patient-centered, cultural, sex, and gender-sensitive risk assessment with clients and thoroughly explain the importance of engagement in HIV care and achieving viral suppression.
Participate in community-based programming, including (but not limited to) health fairs, AIDS Education Month, and other organizational/departmental priorities.
Provide emotional support, counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy for clients throughout the process of testing for HIV infection as needed and make referrals to PrEP providers for those who are HIV negative, including partners of patients living with HIV.
Provide comprehensive information on the risks and benefits of HIV testing and provide a through explanation of the testing process.
Assist in the tracking and distribution of condoms and safer-sex materials
Provide clients with all aspects of post-test counseling, including but not limited to: actual test results, direct referrals, counseling and emotional support.
Answer phone calls and respond to emails from the general public and Penn Medicine community by providing information around HIV prevention, treatment, PrEP, nPEP, STI prevention, STI treatment resources, and other relevant sexual health topics
Facilitate and ensure that patients the navigator links to care receive the standard of care for medical care associated with HIV.
Submit monthly statistical/narrative reports as required to the Program Manager for review.
Regularly attend and actively participate in staff meetings and staff training sessions.
Advocate for clients as needed.
Refer to Penn Community Practice, MacGregor ID Practice, or medical site of their choice for all clients with reactive HIV test results and those at high risk for HIV infection, for proper follow-up of needed services.
Comply with HIPAA regulations and universal precautions for healthcare workers.
Reports all incidents to the Ryan White Program Managers.
Remain updated on all aspects of HIV/AIDS including approved medical treatments, new prevention methods, etc.
Education or Equivalent Experience:
Bachelor of Arts or Science (Required)
Social Work, Public Health or related field 2+ years relevant experience Certification in HIV prevention counseling preferred.
Master of Arts or Science in Social Work, Public Health or related field
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.