Early Intervention Specialist

AIDS Healthcare Foundation - Fort Worth, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Fort Worth, TX

11-50 employees

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Early Intervention Specialist at AIDS Outreach Center (AOC) plays a crucial role in supporting individuals living with or at risk for HIV. This position focuses on enhancing client engagement in medical care, medication adherence, and viral suppression through education, emotional support, and resource linkage. The specialist will work closely with various team members to ensure clients receive comprehensive care and support.

Responsibilities

• Complete intakes on clients that are newly diagnosed, lost to care, returning to care, clients from TDJC, and Immigration.
• Link clients to medical care and follow-up as needed at key points of entry.
• Provide access and linkage to HIV care and treatment services such as Outpatient/Ambulatory Health Services, Medical Case Management, and Substance use care.
• Provide clients with education on the importance of HIV medical care and treatment adherence.
• Engage clients in medical care and assist with overcoming treatment barriers.
• Help clients to schedule medical appointments and follow up with providers to ensure clients attend appointments.
• Accompany clients to medical, mental health, substance abuse treatment or social services appointments to improve attendance.
• Contact clients to verify and/or remind them of appointments with other departments or other agencies.
• Provide emotional support to patients around topics such as disclosure options and dealing with stigma.
• Serve as mentor regarding interaction with medical providers, helping patients prepare for visits and then debriefing what happened, depending on patient needs.
• Initiate referrals to agency and community service providers, as necessary, and coordinate activities in order to provide an integrated system of service delivery.
• Monitor clients' adherence as required.
• Educate new clients on the process and what to expect from the HIV service delivery system.
• Maintain care plans as outlined in the policies and procedures and grant guidelines.
• Maintain caseload to meet the goals of the grant.
• Participate in agency meetings, retreats, work sessions and events as requested.
• Enter and maintain information via timely database entry on all clients as needed.
• Assist with Quality Assurance measures and activities to meet departmental and organizational goals and objectives.
• Act as a liaison between AOC and the community to always facilitate positive relationships.
• Complete required initial and ongoing training.
• Always conduct oneself in a professional and culturally sensitive manner.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS
• Cultural knowledge and sensitivity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to handle crisis situations
• Ability to discuss sexual issues
• Word processing skills
• Valid Texas driver's license and proven driving record.

Benefits

• Full benefits package
• Generous vacation policy
• Some evenings and weekends
• Local travel required