HIV Counselor

Henry J. Austin Health Center, Inc.; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 50,300 - 70,400; Full time

Job summary

Henry J. Austin Health Center, Inc. is seeking a dedicated HIV Counselor responsible for providing counseling and obtaining specimens from individuals seeking HIV testing. The position requires working at various locations associated with the health center. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, two years of counseling experience, and must complete the NJSDH HIV Counselor Training Program.

This role involves patient screening, providing education, and maintaining patient confidentiality. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team are essential. Additional responsibilities may change over time.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and two years of counseling experience are required; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Must successfully complete the NJSDH HIV Counselor Training Program.
• Must maintain proficiency certification for rapid HIV testing.

Responsibilities

• Screen patients and collect demographic history.
• Provide pre-test counseling and post-test follow-up.
• Keep accurate patient records and complete logs.
• Distribute educational literature and condoms.

Skills

Computer literacy

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to maintain client confidentiality

Ability to work effectively in a team

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

SALARY RANGE

$50,300 - $70,400

Under the supervision of the HIV Counseling and Treatment Coordinator, the position is responsible for HIV counseling and obtaining specimens from persons requesting HIV testing. Perform related duties as required. The position will require working at locations to include Henry J. Austin Health Center, as well as sites that have developed Memorandum of Understanding with Henry J. Austin Health Center. Work hours and day may vary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for patient screening. Collect demographic history.
• Provide necessary pre-test counseling in reference to the test and the significance of its outcome.
• Provide post-test counseling and schedule follow-up appointments as deemed necessary.
• Keep accurate and confidential records and logs on all patients seen or counseled.
• Complete daily testing logs as deemed necessary by supervisor.
• Make referrals to social service agencies as necessary to provide necessary Case Management referral tracking system or other means of referral per client need.
• Complete monthly, quarterly and annual reports as deemed necessary by supervisor.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Is a member of the health care team.
• Distributes appropriate educational literature.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient records and charts; prepares reports when required to HJA management staff and public agencies.
• Greets all patients/clients/customers via telephone or directly in a personal and professional manner.
• Distribute condoms.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as apparent and/or as assigned by the HIV Counseling and Treatment Coordinator. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma and two (2) years of counseling experience; a bachelor's degree is preferred.

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Must successfully complete the NJSDH HIV Counselor Training Program.
• Must obtain and maintain proficiency certification for performing rapid HIV testing.
• Must successfully complete and be able to perform as a phlebotomist.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER (KSAO'S)

• Computer literacy and proficiency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with others and to assist the public cooperatively and courteously.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain positive emotions in highly challenging situations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment to increase joy in the workplace.

PHYSICAL & WORK REQUIREMENTS

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.

This position requires the manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend, and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards, or hazardous materials.