Careers

General Description:

This is a grant funded full-time benefited position, 37.5 hours a week.  Scheduled hours will be divided between the Suffolk County House of Correction (HOC) and the Suffolk County Jail (SCJ).  The HIV Coordinator will facilitate integrated HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD education, testing, and linkage to treatment services within the facilities and the community. The HIV coordinator will also be expected to work collaboratively with the Department’s medical provider, infectious disease staff and the Social Services/Program Services Division’s   to timely link HIV+ offenders and those at high risk for HIV acquisition, including enrollment in the HIV Drug Assistance and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Drug Assistance programs. Additionally make referrals: to substance use treatment, such as medication assisted treatment (MAT), and other support programs/services within the Department, as well as reentry and discharge planning for HIV+ and HCV patients.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required.  Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, health sciences, Nursing, Social Work or related fields is preferred. Two years of related work experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience considered. Knowledge of the community and familiarity with HIV, HCV, STD/I prevention programs and services, as well as, harm reduction approach to substance use, including overdose education and naloxone distribution programming preferred. This role will provide support to public health officials in response to disease outbreak investigations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High level of professional conduct
• Bilingual: English and Spanish

• Training and experience in HIV testing and or counseling
• Current knowledge of local and state-wide resources for HIV+ individuals (including PrEP/PEP, housing assistance, support groups, substance use treatment and support services, case management and (peer navigation social support services etc.)
• Ability to develop and facilitate educational/preventative HIV and Substance use Disorder programs
• Knowledge of medical terminology and diagnostic testing methods
• Familiar with current HIV/AIDS testing and research methods
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with persons of varying educational and cultural backgrounds
• Familiarity with applicable laws regarding confidentiality and release of health information
• Follow all HIPAA compliance and regulations in accordance to local, state, and national regulations.
• Possess excellent organizational skills and abilities to work well independent of constant supervision
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports
• Excellent computer and data management skills

 

General Duties:

 

Education

The HIV Coordinator will provide education, information and screening opportunities for HIV/HCV/STD/I’s during intake, initial medical assessment or soon after admission into the facility.  The coordinator will provide one on one education with individuals in regard to treatment, discharge/reentry planning and community continuum of care. The coordinator will facilitate groups with the population on related topics.

 

Testing

The HIV coordinator will coordinate delivery of HIV, HCV, and syphilis, as well as gonorrhea and chlamydia testing to offenders.  The coordinator will collaborate with the Department’s medical provider to facilitate these tests through submission of blood, urine, and anatomical site swabs to the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) per MDPH protocols.  The coordinator will provide offenders with test results and provide one on one education regarding services and treatment that are accessible in the facility and in the community. The coordinator will maintain records regarding testing results and will collaborate with DPH and BPHC as needed and will comply with any required reporting requirements.

 

Linkage to Care/Discharge Planning

This position will also include providing one on one linkage to care services provided to newly diagnose or HIV positive persons who have fallen out of care. The Coordinator, in collaboration with the Department’s medical provider, ID Nurse and Social Services divisions, will assist offenders with discharge/reentry and linkages to care.  This includes assisting offenders with enrolling in Medicare/MassHealth, HIV Drug Assistance Programs, PrEPDAP, scheduling post release appointments with outside medical providers, and assisting offenders with SUD histories with substance use prevention resources including medically assisted treatment options.

 

The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work to be performed.  Job duties and assignments may be modified as needs and demands of the job dictate or as the supervisor deems appropriate. The job description provides general information considered necessary to depict the major responsibilities of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the required work that may be inherent in the job.

 

RESPONSIBILIITES

• Coordinates testing and educational activities relating to the HIV, HVC, other STD/I’s
• Reports confirmed positive cases to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) as required by law and consistent with grant guidelines
• Maintains monthly and quarterly statistics and submits to supervisor and/or designee for grant purposes
• Maintains confidentiality of medical records and medical information
• Provides educational services and programs to the offender population
• Maintain knowledge of and relationships with service providers throughout the Commonwealth
• Provide referrals on behalf of offenders to local Service providers
• Works collaboratively with the Department’s medical provider and with the Social Services/Program Services Divisions.
• Maintains a good working relationship with all staff
• Provides other services and performs other duties as assigned

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.