Rapid Entry Linkage Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

The primary job function of the Rapid Entry Linkage Coordinator (RE LC) is to coordinate enrollment of patients into PIHC’s Rapid Entry Clinic. The RE LC is the backbone of the Rapid Entry Clinic and will identify patient barriers to care, refer patients to needed services (e.g., mental health and/or substance abuse treatment), link patients to long-term care providers, and monitor patient appointments and health outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coverage of patients: Coordinate enrollment in PIHC’s Rapid Entry Clinic for newly diagnosed with HIV, living with HIV but never in care, and/or those without medication > six months
• Assessment and referral: Assess potential barriers to care and the impact of HIV stigma for patients eligible for Rapid Entry services; provides education about the importance of HIV medical care and medication adherence; screen patients to determine the need for non-medical services; refer patients for further assessment and services as needed
• Scheduling and EMR: Schedule medical appointments (labs, clinic visits) for patients with the Rapid Entry clinic providers, utilize the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system; enter clients into the EMR; coordinate with the clinical team to ensure new patient laboratory tests are collected; check Ryan White eligibility by collecting eligibility documentation
• HIV care plan: Develop a sustainable HIV care plan with each client that focuses on removing barriers to care, determining benefits, and linking to a long-term care provider; facilitate linkage to a long-term care provider by reviewing provider options with the client and making appropriate referrals
• Community engagement: Keep up-to-date information about appointment availability of public and private HIV providers in Metro Atlanta; collaborate and stay connected with community partners and resources in the Metro Atlanta area; conduct follow-up calls with patients; collaborate/consult with PIHC clinic staff, medical case managers, and Behavioral Health staff for care coordination
• Monitoring and reporting: Monitor show rates for all appointments including follow-up with the long-term care provider to verify that the initial medical visit occurred; contact pharmacy to check that antiretroviral prescriptions were filled; monitor health outcomes of Rapid Entry Clinic patients and assist with data collection and reporting
• Communication: Regularly communicate with direct supervisor and Director of Clinical Care regarding the status of the Rapid Entry Clinic; attend all interdisciplinary staff meetings; attend at least eight hours of HIV specific training annually, cultural competency training annually and other applicable trainings
• Documentation and compliance: Abide by all state, health district and agency policies regarding confidentiality of patient information; follow all agency guidelines relating to rapid entry services, incentive distribution, and documentation of all program data

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Experience working with indigent and culturally diverse populations
• Excellent communication skills (writing, spelling, listening and speaking)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to resolve problems and make decisions
• Ability to work without close supervision
• Ability to respond to assigned task in a timely manner
• Utilizes good management techniques and time management
• Ability to follow through with completion of assigned tasks
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet database
• Abides by all policies and procedures concerning personnel including conflict of interest policy

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human Services Field
• Master’s degree in social work, health care, or related field preferred
• Fluency in Spanish preferred, but not required. Must be able to speak, read, and write in Spanish (if applicable)
• Experience with project management including developing, implementing and evaluating health care programs
• Knowledge of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system
• Two years prior experience in a healthcare setting preferred
• Professional experience working with individuals living with HIV preferred
• Licenses/Licenses: Prefer licensure if candidate is licensure eligible (e.g. LMSW or LCSW if candidate has a MSW)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sit and talk or hear
• Occasionally walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate computers, objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms
• Lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus