Peer Support Specialist III (Intensive Community Work (iCW))

About the role

New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Peer Support Specialist III (Intensive Community Work (iCW)) in the Department of Medicine within the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). The primary purpose of the Peer Support Specialist III (intensive Community Work) is to connect and engage clients either lost to follow‑up or who have never accessed care. Serves as a role model to demonstrate recovery and wellness principles and provide non‑clinical support to clients to pursue and maintain their health and wellness and reach their fullest potential. Serves as a community liaison and works as part of the medical case management team to address barriers to connection and retention in care. Supports the care team through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach. Provides reliable information, appropriate referrals, and emotional support to those clients who have agreed to participate in the program. Helps clients to access services and resources and address issues of adherence through individual and group sessions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for introducing community health worker services to all newly diagnosed and new to clinic patients.
• Assist the medical case management team with caseloads of newly diagnosed and lost to follow up patients.
• Assist the medical case management team with collection of necessary documents and submission of applications for housing, emergency financial assistance and medication assistance.
• Manages an assigned caseload.
• Provides intensive adherence counseling to patients that are not virally suppressed >6 months.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Three (3) years of training and/or experience involving knowledge of the Newark area and community resources, firsthand understanding of issues related to living with HIV or AIDS, and/or active participation in community activities and support groups.
• Equivalent experience, education, and/or training may be substituted for the education or experience requirements.

Qualifications

• Sensitivity to a substance abuse environment preferred.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish preferred).

Skills

• Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and capability to maneuver electronic medical record systems.
• Demonstrated interest in serving the community.
• Ability to work independently and seek guidance or assistance when necessary.
• Good listening skills.
• Ability to work with all levels of staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people regardless of creed, race, and sexuality.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Pay

Minimum Salary: $27.550

Mid Range Salary: $28.050

Maximum Salary: $28.890

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. Market benchmarks and internal equity are also considered to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure.

Schedule

Full Time; Standard Hours: 40.00 hours per