HIV Testing Counselor

Henry J Austin Health Center; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 38,700 - 52,600; Full time

Job summary

Henry J Austin Health Center in Trenton, NJ seeks an on-site HIV Counselor to screen patients, obtain demographic data, and perform pre- and post-test counseling, including scheduling follow-up visits. The role involves working at multiple sites under an HIV Counseling and Treatment Coordinator.

The responsibilities include maintaining confidential records, generating reports, and coordinating referrals to social services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 3 years of counseling experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must successfully complete the NJDOH/DHSTS 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.

Responsibilities

• Screen patients and collect demographic history.
• Provide pre-test counseling about the HIV test and its significance.
• Provide post-test counseling and schedule follow-up appointments.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and logs for all patients.
• Complete monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required by supervisor.
• Make referrals to social service agencies to support case-management tracking.
• Greet all patients/clients/customers via telephone or in person in a professional manner.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Emotional resilience

Education

High school diploma

Counseling experience

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

ON-SITE POSITION

MAJOR FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the HIV Counseling and Treatment Coordinator, the employee 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 including Henry J. Austin Health Center as well as other sites that have developed a Memorandum of Understanding with Henry J. Austin Health Center. Work hours and days may vary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for patient screening and collecting 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 for all patients seen or counseled.
• Complete monthly, quarterly and annual reports as deemed necessary by Supervisor.
• Make referrals to social service agencies as necessary to provide case‑management tracking or other means of referral per client need.
• May be required to learn to and utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Be a member of the health‑care team.
• Distribute appropriate educational literature.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient records and charts; prepare reports when required to HJA management staff and public agencies.
• Greet all patients/clients/customers via telephone or directly in a personal and professional manner.

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

• High school diploma and three (3) years of counseling experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Must successfully complete the NJDOH/DHSTS 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.

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 and/or hazardous materials.

SALARY RANGE

$38,700 - $52,600