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Summary Purpose for the Position

Supervise one linkage specialist position providing linkage services to individuals living with HIV and/or HCV (Hepatitis C) in-facility and in-community. Recruit and identify program participants/clients that meet the pre-exposure prophylaxis eligibility criteria. The LS will engage these individuals in pre and post-release interventions and services. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis linkage services will be provided to all eligible participants following all areas described in the WorkPlan provided by the NYS AIDS Institute to bridge Pre-exposure Prophylaxis services from facility to community. Additionally, the LS will partner with NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) on recruitment, programming, and AIDS Institute Pre-exposure Prophylaxis providers. Activities are trauma-informed and designed within a stigma-free framework. This position also requires educating NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) staff as well as potential participants on pre-exposure prophylaxis, reducing the stigma, and providing data to help inform the End The Epidemic campaign.

Requirements (Education, Experience, Certification, Knowledge, Skill)

Three years of human services experience in direct service with clients and/or a Bachelor's Degree in health education, nursing or related field. Or any combination of education and experience which demonstrate proficiency in networking, making referrals, advocacy, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)/ Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) knowledge

Position Responsibilities

Participate in the following training (at a minimum):

Initial and ongoing training on agency operations, policies and procedures, program-specific information, and contract requirements;

HIV screening, diagnosis, treatment update, and linkage to care;

Motivational Interviewing;

Anti-retroviral Treatment and Access to Services (ARTAS) Linkage Case Management;

HIV Confidentiality;

Understanding HIV-related stigma and Trauma Informed Care;

Case Management;

New York State Department of Health’s Confidentiality Policies and Procedures for Staff Conducting HIV/AIDS Surveillance and HIV Partner Notification Activities.

Identify program participants/clients that meet the pre-exposure prophylaxis eligibility criteria and engage them in Pre and post-release intervention/services.

Provide Pre-exposure Prophylaxis linkage services all eligible participants following all the areas described in the Workplan to bridge Pre-exposure Prophylaxis services from facility to community.

Supervise, monitor, evaluate, and guide the linkage specialist position. Support and collaborate with the LS in all areas of the linkage services and ensure all funder guidelines are maintained.

Meet with potential program participants based on eligibility criteria. Use motivational and strength-based

Approaches to inform potential participants of pre-exposure prophylaxis services both in and out of facility.

Enroll Pre-exposure prophylaxis eligible individuals in the program and follow workplan prescribed by NYS DOH AIDS Institute.

Create, maintain and keep secure a client file for all persons.

Complete DOH-2557 (Permission to release information form)

Develop a Linkage Action Plan for enrolled participants that outlines steps to address any medical care engagement and treatment adherence barriers, to persons with HIV within 180 days of release/discharge from the correctional facility.

Initiate ARTAS for program participants not engaged in treatment within NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision or if treatment adherence is identified as a need (pre-release and post release).

Educate program participant’s prevention interventions available Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Post Exposure Prophylaxis, condoms].

Perform promotional activities in order to increase awareness about the program interventions and other agency services, establish trust, explain the referral process, and improve uptake by members of informal correctional setting networks.

Document All program outcomes achieved in facility (prior to release) as required by initiative guidance

(e.g., in the program participant file, logs, and AIRS).

Navigate Access to pre-exposure prophylaxis services:

Inform participant about prevention interventions available in the community (e.g., STI screening, HCV testing, condoms, partner services, PrEP/PEP for partners)

Document all outcomes as required by initiative guidance (e.g., in the program participant file, logs, and AIRS). Outcomes for referrals made for participant partners/associates should also be tracked as appropriate (e.g., PrEP linkage).

Track and monitor the disbursement/use of incentives upon reentry such as wellness gift cards, cell phones/phone cards, bus cards, gas/rideshare cards, etc. Incentives must support engagement / retention in care and prevention for program participant as well as partners/associates of program participant.

work with the program participants to:

Identify persons not infected with HIV, but at substantial risk for becoming infected, and link them to HIV prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Collect and submit data/program updates in accordance with Division and AI protocols.

Implement trauma informed evidence-based/effective interventions or public health strategies with fidelity utilizing the six key principals of a trauma informed approach.

Must be credible, culturally sensitive, and be able to assist clients to develop risk reduction plans.

Working Conditions/Environment

The position requires flexible work hours, including nights and weekends. Work indoors and outdoors; driving is routinely required; some in state travel. Working inside a correctional facility with incarcerated individuals. Working directly with individuals living with HIV and living with HCV. The working environment could present unique challenges to coping with stress management skills.

Transportation Requirement

Position requires automobile, driver’s license and insurance.

Last Updated: 10/2024