PrEP Counselor
Henry J Austin Health Center·Trenton, New Jersey
About the role
The PrEP Navigator assesses high-risk clients for PrEP suitability and assists them in initiating and adhering to their medication regimens. This includes providing HIV testing, sexual risk reduction counseling, and coordinating with clinical providers and insurance for medication access.
On-Site position
MAJOR FUNCTION Under the supervision of the HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator, the PrEP Navigator will assess clients’ suitability for PrEP, and is responsible for assisting HIV high-risk negative clients in initiating, adhering to, and managing a PrEP regimen.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provide rapid HIV test to clients, used for basis of next steps.
Assess and address clients’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding PrEP.
Assessment of clients’ level of risk to determine appropriateness for PrEP.
Engage identified high-risk individuals in discussions regarding HIV risk reduction and all manner of PrEP information, to include at a minimum: What is required of the client to ensure that PrEP is maximally effective; The potential side effects of PrEP medication(s); Schedule of medical follow-up visits for monitoring health status relative to possible side effects; and Discussion of relationship situations when PrEP may no longer be appropriate.
Assess clients’ intentions to initiate and comply with a PrEP regimen.
Assess clients’ health insurance status.
Assist/refer clients with prior authorizations, insurance enrollment and pharmaceutical company required application and enrollment in medication assistance program as appropriate.
Provide clients with completed prior authorization paperwork for them to take with them when they see the PrEP prescriber.
Evaluate clients’ access to primary care providers.
Identify clients’ transportation needs.
Assist clients in the development of their adherence plan.
Provide sexual risk reduction counseling regarding HIV and STIs.
Monitor clients to ensure regimen adherence and clinical follow-up visits, which may include: Appointment reminders using appropriate technology (texting, social media, interventions etc.) Delivery of evidence-based strategies, which may include but are not limited to: Every Dose Every Day Mobile Application PEER Support Partnership for Health Medication Adherence SMART Couples Familiarity with CDC’s publication “Optimizing Entry Into and Retention in HIV Care and ART Adherence for PLWHA”.
