GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Linkage Specialist is employed member of the Community Prevention and Treatment Services team at Whitney Young Health. This position works directly with patients who are living with infectious diseases and experiencing barriers to care and treatment. Populations served by the Linkage Specialist include individuals facing social health disparities, such as those who are affected by or living with substance use disorder. This position is responsible for actively and effectively linking individuals with Hepatitis C to comprehensive medical care and treatment. The Linkage Specialist provides counseling and support services aimed at reducing barriers to care for individuals living with Hepatitis C. The Linkage Specialist is a representation of the inclusive and whole-person centered care Whitney Young strives to provide to the community it serves.SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for identifying, establishing, and maintaining referral relationships with Community Based organizations (CBOs) in targeted counties to ensure access to services for Hepatitis C positive individuals.
- Act as a liaison between CBOs s that are providing Hepatitis C screening services and Whitney Young by visiting these agencies on a pre-determined schedule each week, receiving referrals, and actively working with them to create a network of care connection.
- Regularly performs outreach and provides infectious disease group education to at-risk populations residing at or receiving services from local community based 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.
- Responsible for assessing barriers to linking Hepatitis C positive patients to care, and helping reduce these barriers through connection to allied services and ongoing support.
- Competently perform procedures for internal and external patient referrals in accordance with programmatic and organizational standards of conduct. This includes documentation of all encounters in systems including AIRS and Athena, as well as any other tracking reports required.
- Establish, develop, and maintain healthy professional relationships with all clients while appropriating strengths-based treatment plans which include measurable goals and relevant care establishment and retention plans.
- Attend Hepatitis C, HIV, and PrEP based trainings regularly to remain up to date on all essential job functions.
- Attends departmental and other WYH meetings as appropriate.
- Provides health education (i.e. health literacy, treatment adherence, harm reduction and resources), coaching and empowers patients living with infectious diseases.
- Is willing to support all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender expression and/or orientation, sexuality, income status, and personal beliefs.
- Works collaboratively with other WYH programs and staff supporting the patient, including CPTS Care Coordinators.
- Assists with care coordination activities as part of the CPTS team for patients enrolled in the HCV care and treatment program.
- Maintain records and other work-related materials in a clear and organized manner in accordance with programmatic and organizational guidelines.
- Responsible to link HCV positive patients and monitor access and retention through designated intervention.
- Assist CPTS team in monitoring and evaluating of intervention and health education for HCV transmissions in targeted areas.
- Assists in the development and distribution of educational pamphlets, brochures, and other educational materials to at-risk populations and the community at large.
- Staff must be able to efficiently self-manage time with high regard to clinic hours of operations, scheduled patients, and CBO screening/testing clinic hours. Staff must have reliable transportation for daily community involvement.
- Participates in Performance Improvement/Continuous Quality Improvement activities as assigned.
- Assists the Project Manager with identifying and linking appropriate members in the targeted demographic for Client Advisory Board (CAB) participation.
- Participates in and presents at community events/health fairs etc.
- Ensures and/or remains in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (i.e. NYSHD, CDC and DOH.
- 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 regulation, i.e. DHHS HRSA and NYSDOH, and all accreditation standards (e.g. Joint Commission and NCQA-PCMH).
- Adheres to the National Patient Safety Goals as defined by the Joint Commission and Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center.
- Completes other duties as assigned.
RequirementsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associates Degree in a human services related field and 2 years of experience working within a community and humans services agency. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates a high level of cultural competence. 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 1 year of experience working within a community and human services agency. Experience working with one of the following populations: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Substance Abuse and/or Behavioral Health Conditions. Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates a high level of cultural competence. Has the ability to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. Has a working knowledge of computers/technology. 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: $17.50 - $20.40 hourly