GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the supervision of Ryan White's Program Manager, the intake specialist provides front-line intake and retention services to clients coming into the Infectious Diseases Clinic. This position is accountable for reviewing eligibility and program expectations to clients that are eligible for Ryan White services while improving access to care services and removing barriers to help clients remain engaged in their own treatment. This position requires a thorough understanding of the clinic’s philosophy of treatment/care. Admission/eligibility process and criteria. Basic knowledge of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program is essential. The individual is responsible for ensuring that clinical and administrative intake services and information are provided to difficult targeted populations (potential clients). This position is also accountable for collecting all documents needed for filling out ADAP enrollment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Schedules intake appointments for all new and re-engaged clients. Contact clients who have canceled or not shown up for appointments to re-engage into care. Work to build the trust and confidence of clients and help them understand the integrated model of care and the importance of continued care with their providers, case manager, and ADAP.
Remind clients to bring required documentation for medical visits and monitor progress with updating eligibility documentation for new and recertification appointments as well as documents needed for ADAP enrollment.
Provide advocacy on health information including educating clients to self-advocate, preventing further transmission, the benefits and challenges of care and treatment, and available services and how to access them.
Act as a liaison between Prevention/Outreach and Infectious Diseases Clinic staff (ADAP, RN Case Manager, Providers) to support clients throughout the early part of their care.
Communication with the multidisciplinary linkage team about individual client needs in order to maintain a connection to care.
Assist outside partnerships to establish linkages for care and treatment.
Assist with monthly peer support group and Client Advisory Board activities that include survey completion for feedback and ensure pharmaceutical representatives present topics on medication adherence and achieving viral load suppression.
Performs administrative duties (Nextgen entry, scanning of client eligibility documents, EMA tool, prepare and submit monthly intake/retention reports in a timely manner).
Utilizes EMR and tracking tools by documenting, tracking, and managing client retention issues for QI purposes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must possess professional knowledge of principles of HIV Care & Treatment, professional and cultural competence/sensitivity, compassionate attitude, and be familiar with service delivery for HIV positive clients.
Possess good knowledge of community resources and demonstrate a high level of customer service.
Must have the ability to think critically and analytically, process information and prioritize, maintain confidentiality, and possess independent work habits, is self-reliant and self-directed, knowledge of EMR databases, MS Office Suite, and use of evaluation methods to report on program outcomes.
Participate in the planning and implementation of Ryan White's goals and objectives. The candidate should have strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to function independently under dynamic circumstances.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects, establish workload priorities, and meet deadlines are critical.
Proficient computer skills (MS Office); expertise in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff and partner agencies; skill in establishing rapport and having empathy with clients; contribute to a team-based approach focused on patient care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Community or Public Health preferred. Phlebotomy certification is a plus
Minimum of two years related experience working with high-risk targeted populations required (HIV Counseling, Expanded/Targeted Testing, Referral, linkage, and retention of clients in HIV and/or care/treatment).
Experience with working in communities at high risk for HIV.
The candidate should have knowledge about confidentiality regarding communicable/infectious disease issues (HIPAA guidelines).
Familiarity with public health program implementation and evaluation; knowledge of the use of motivational interviewing techniques to encourage individuals to start and remain in care. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Administrative and medical office environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, toxic and others substances common to a clinic environment. May involve work under stress in emergency situations or during irregular hours.