HIV Testing Counselor

MAJOR FUNCTION Under the supervision of the HIV Counseling and Treatment Coordinator, is responsible for HIV Counseling and obtaining specimens from persons requesting HIV testing.

Perform related duties as required.

Position will require working at locations to include Henry J.

Austin Health Center, as well as sites, which 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 monthly, quarterly and annual reports as deemed necessary by Supervisor.

Make referrals to social service agencies as necessary to provide necessary Case Management 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 and 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.

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

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