HIV Test Counselor

Job Summary:

The HIV Testing Counselor provides flexible and community-based outreach and performs rapid HIV testing and counseling, facilitates groups, conducts individual sessions and makes referrals to OASIS Clinic HIV medical care. In supporting the HIV rapid testing program, the counselor provides counseling, testing and referral services (CTRS) targeting at-risk demographics. in South Los Angeles and metro areas through innovative and nontraditional outreach methods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial intake assessment and identify appropriate client needs.
• Conduct programmatic activities by working closely with the rapid testing program coordinator, and outreach team members.
• Scanning of client data to funding source weekly
• Provide outreach and follow-up services.
• Comply with all program protocols and agency policies.
• Complete mandated HIV Counseling and testing certification, orientation and all mandatory trainings to guarantee appropriate competency in program requirements.
• Conduct rapid HIV testing and counseling in a variety of venues to include community sites and venues, and at the Health Fairs.
• Conduct outreach to women and other interested parties in the community.
• Conduct presentations on HIV 101 at community venues and large events.
• Provide and follow up on appropriate referrals to community services.
• Refer individuals who test positive with HIV to case management, medical care, support services and other services as needed and thoroughly follow-up on and document all referrals made.
• Provide accurate information to the community about HIV transmission, prevention and testing.
• Complete all testing and referral procedures and paperwork in a detailed, professional and timely fashion.
• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and completed other program documentation (e.g.; progress notes, assessments, surveys)
• Submit clear and accurate data collection forms for all outreach and CTR work performed.
• Prepare and submit clear and detailed monthly report to supervisor in a timely fashion.
• Participate in organizing social activities with clients and other agencies in the community.
• Facilitate harm reduction groups related to HIV/HCV and other STDs prevention.
• Participate in all staff and program meetings, site visits with funders and required trainings.
• Keep supervisor informed of all problems, challenges and conflicts related to job.
• Meet attendance and timeliness requirements; maintain a positive work attitude and resolve issues with others constructively.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree, or comparable years of qualifying education or work experience.
• Vocational training in substance abuse.
• DHSP certification in HIV testing and counseling
• If not currently certified, employment will be contingent upon passing the Basic 1 – HIV Testing Certification course with DHSP; failure to do so could result in immediate separation.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two to four years work experience in providing CTR and outreach services.
• Experience with CTR data entry and collection.
• Formal training in HIV education and prevention skills (C&TI, Introduction, Fundamentals and STD) is highly desirable.
• Valid California class “C” driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS:

• Passion for HIV Prevention, strong commitment to educating those most at-risk for HIV, and experience working directly with similar HIV/AIDS programs.
• Must have knowledge of HIV counseling, testing and referral services, partner counseling and referral services.
• Must be able to conduct rapid HIV testing according to Department of Public Health and CDC standards.
• Ability to provide CTR services. Must have knowledge of HIV/AIDS primary and secondary prevention strategies and HIV transmission. Knowledge of metro LA community, resources and services is important.
• The ability to provide counseling and communicate using sensitivity, tact, discretion and a caring attitude is paramount to success in this position.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to effectively evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Effective communication skills both verbal and written.
• Good counseling and crisis intervention skills and techniques.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Good interviewing and evaluation skills. Good observation and assessment skills.
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug abuse treatment strategies.
• Knowledge of community services resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CDC harm reduction intervention.
• Computer skills in MS Windows, Word, Excel, etc. required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency in speaking and writing preferred.

COMPLEXITY:

• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasionally required to work in confined space.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• COVID-19 Vaccination: As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, proof of the newest COVID-19 booster will be required for CDU students, faculty, and staff entry to the CDU campus. Please note that vaccination requirements may change as our Federal, State, and local public health laws change. Requests for disability and religious accommodations from faculty and staff will be evaluated consistent with the law and University policies and procedures.

• On-site position.

Compensation:

• $25.24

Position Status:

• Full Time

Conditional Statement: The employment status of this position is classified as “Conditional”. Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon funding limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant or contract. The duration of grant for this position is through December 31, 2024.

EEO Statement: Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.