Linkage to Care Specialist

About the role

A Linkage to Care Specialist contributes to AHF by acting as a friendly, helpful resource to clients and community partners. For clients who are newly diagnosed with HIV and/or are not currently in care, the specialist can answer questions regarding living with HIV and disclosure of status, facilitate entrance into medical care, accompany clients to their first few appointments, make referrals to complementary services, and offer HIV testing to partners and friends. The role enhances AHF’s reputation by linking individuals to care and providing compassionate, non-judgmental customer service, enabling AHF to serve the community during critical and potentially overwhelming moments.

As part of their work, Linkage Specialists build and foster relationships with agencies offering support services and groups whose clients would benefit from AHF services. They act as passionate advocates for AHF’s top initiatives while ensuring the organization’s Core Values and Mission remain central to their work.

AHF operates in a dynamic environment with a collaborative structure where staff are accountable to multiple leaders. The Linkage to Care Specialist will work as part of a close-knit team to play a key role in the continuum of HIV care by bridging testing with medical care and other services.

Responsibilities

• Act as a resource for clients newly diagnosed with HIV or those not currently in care, answering questions about living with HIV and disclosure of status.
• Facilitate clients’ entrance into medical care and accompany them to their first few appointments.
• Make referrals to complementary support services.
• Offer HIV testing to partners and friends of clients.
• Provide immediate guidance to clients after a reactive test result, helping them navigate next steps.
• Assist clients in preparing for and orienting to their engagement in care, regardless of insurance status.
• Build and foster relationships with community organizations and agencies that offer support services or whose clients would benefit from AHF services.
• Advocate for AHF’s initiatives while upholding the organization’s Core Values and Mission.
• Work collaboratively within a team to bridge testing with medical care and other services, supporting clients through their HIV diagnosis.
• Empower clients to be proactive in their self-care and in protecting others.