PrEP Peer Navigator

About the Role

The Peer Navigator, under the direction of the Program Director and NP and PrEP Specialist, provides support and advocacy to patients on PrEP therapy by sharing experiences and reinforcing treatment management instructions. The Peer Navigator acts as a bridge between providers and patients, facilitating both medical and psychosocial care. While working as part of a coordinated care team, the Peer Navigator maintains a distinct, trust-based relationship with patients, serving as a role model and offering reliable information, referrals, and emotional support to individuals on PrEP therapy for HIV prevention.

Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend educational opportunities including HIV 101, Peer Counseling Trainings, STI and risk reduction, and DEBIs as appropriate.
• Participate in support group meetings, Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) meetings, and Quality Improvement and Quality Management teams.
• Input encounters into reporting systems as appropriate.
• Contribute personal experiences to improve linkage, retention, and treatment adherence to the PrEP Program.
• Follow up with patients lost to care via phone, email, or mail, as directed by the PrEP Specialist.

Patient Engagement Responsibilities

• Assist patients in making and keeping scheduled appointments by addressing barriers and identifying strengths.
• Help patients complete forms when necessary.
• Reinforce management instructions and treatment plans.
• Co-facilitate support groups and treatment education groups.
• Share personal treatment experiences to support patients and promote adherence.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• First-hand knowledge of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
• Heartsaver CPR certification.

Qualifications

• First-hand understanding of issues related to living on PrEP therapy for HIV prevention.
• Familiarity with community-based services in the Southern Tier of NY.
• Ability to work as part of a team, including with other Peer Navigators and healthcare providers in clinical settings.
• Honesty and genuine compassion for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
• Ability and willingness to accept direction from supervisors.
• Good oral and written English communication skills.
• Strong telephone skills.
• Comfort with the diversity of the community.
• Ability to maintain a required work schedule, punctuality, and a neat work area.
• Accountability for time management.
• Understanding of Article 27F HIV Confidentiality Laws.
• At least one year clean and sober if addiction has been an issue.
• Ability to advocate for clients by addressing service concerns with providers.
• Ability to help clients identify risk reduction strategies (e.g., safer sex, drug treatment, needle exchange).
• Strong knowledge of HIV disease, treatments, and substance abuse issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic computer proficiency.
• Prior peer experience or peer education training.
• Prior experience with record keeping.
• Training certificates in HIV 101, Peer Education/Advocacy, PrEP therapy, etc. (preferred but not required).

Physical Demands

Light physical effort. Routine office responsibilities.