MAIN FUNCTION:

The Peer Navigator, under the direction of the Program Director, NP and Treatment Adherence Counselor, provides support and advocacy to HIV positive patients by sharing experiences and reinforcing treatment management instructions.  The Peer Navigator will provide a bridge between providers and patients that facilitates the medical and psychosocial care of the individual. The Peer Navigator works in a team setting as one component of the patient’s coordinated care.  However, the Peer Navigator is an advocate for the patient and maintains a relationship with him/her that fosters trust and understanding distinct from a provider role.  The Peer Navigator is expected to serve as a role model who provides reliable information, appropriate referrals and emotional support to individuals who are infected with or affected by, HIV or AIDS.

 

Administrative Responsibilities

Attends HIV educational opportunities including HIV 101, the Leadership Training  Institute and DEBI’s as appropriate.

 

Participates in support group meetings, consumer advisory board (CAB) meetings and Quality Improvement and Quality Management teams.

 

Inputs encounters as appropriate into reporting systems.

 

Contributes personal experiences in order to improve the Linkage, Retention and Treatment Adherence Program.

 

Follows up with patients lost to care via phone, email or mail, or as directed by the

      Treatment Adherence Counselor.

 

Patient Engagement Responsibilities

Assists patients making scheduled appointments by addressing barriers and identifying strengths.

 

Assists patients in completing forms when necessary.

 

Re-enforces management instructions and treatment plans.

 

Co-facilitates support groups and treatment education groups.

 

Shares experience of treatment in order to support the patient and promote adherence.

 

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or GED. 

 

 

EXPERIENCE:

Candidate must have first- hand knowledge of ARV treatments.

 

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required within 90 days of hire date.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 1.  First-hand understanding of issues related to living with HIV or AIDS.

 2.  Familiarity with AIDS services in the Southern Tier of NY

 3.  Ability to work as part of a team, with other Peer Navigators at our Agency and with health care providers in clinical settings.

 4.  Honesty and genuine compassion for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

 5.  Ability and willingness to accept direction from supervisor.

 6.  Good oral and written English communication skills.

 7.  Good telephone skills

 8.  Ability to be comfortable with the diversity of our community.

 9.  Ability to maintain required work schedule, be on time, keep work area neat, be accountable for how time is   managed/used.

10. Understanding of Article 27F HIV Confidentiality Laws.

11. Ability to advocate for clients by bringing concerns about services to providers’ attention.

12. Ability to help clients identify risk reduction strategies (safer sex, drug treatment, needle exchange, etc.)

13. Strong knowledge of HIV disease, treatments, and substance abuse issues.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.  Basic computer proficiency

2.  Prior peer experience or peer education training.

3.  Prior experience with record keeping.

4.  Training certificate in; HIV 101, Peer Education/Advocacy, HIV ARV therapy, etc. are preferred but not    required.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Light physical effort.  Routine office responsibilities.

 

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category III. Tasks that do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.  And Category I tasks are not a condition of employment.