COMMUNITY ACCESS SERVICES

The Community Linkage Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of linkage, navigation and recruitment for HIV positive incarcerated individuals and their sexual and/or substance use partners. The Community Linkage Specialist coordinates with representatives from the eight NYS correctional facilities to ensure the execution of the grant services. As part of the essential functions of this position, the Community Linkage Specialist:

• Provides linkage and navigation for PLWHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS) ensuring treatment adherence, and coordination with DOCCS Discharge Planning Unit (DPU), Senior Utilization Review Nurse (SURN), Health Services (HS), Offender Rehabilitation Counselors (ORCs), and other funded Linkage Specialists (LS) throughout the state. Linkage and navigation includes
  • Conducts a comprehensive health/risk assessment for clients and their sexual/substance use partners post release from the correctional facility; this is inclusive of medical, behavioral health, and social service needs.
  • Collaborates with in-facility Linkage Specialist to develop an individualized client-centered Linkage Action Plan with the client to identify health goals and establish an action plan for accomplishing these goals.
  • Links client to services to achieve care goals including medical care, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, prevention services, patient education, and self-management.
  • Consults regularly with multidisciplinary team on client’s care plan, including medical providers and other providers involved in the client’s care.
  • Promote continued adherence to a treatment plan by ensuring connection to community referrals and appointments through intensive post-release follow-up. Initiate plan of action to re-establish contact with releases lost to follow-up.

• Maintains consistent relationships with current and potential community providers. Cultivates professional relationships with individuals and agencies in the community to facilitate referrals and create seamless client services.
• Familiarization and implementation of the work plan, the processes and required forms including the Linkage Action Plan, Referral Tracking Form, Transition Guide, DOH 2557
• Ensures consistency and accuracy of data on a weekly basis, and cooperates with Program Director to prepare the monthly report for funders based on staff monthly reporting and data.
• Assists Program Director and Executive Director on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities for funded activities.

Qualified Candidate will have an Associate's degree in Health and Human Services or related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred) and two (2) years of related experience coordinating and providing services directly to clients within a correctional setting. Candidate must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, demonstrate familiarity with computers and MS Office software (Outlook, Word) and effective time management and organization skills. Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, addiction and LGBT issues essential. Candidate must be able to pass gate clearance for New York State Correctional Facilities

Job Type: Full-time
Required education: Associate's Degree in Health and Human Services (or related)
Required experience: two (2) years of related experience coordinating and providing services directly to clients within a correctional setting
Additional requirements: Must be able to pass NYS Correctional gate clearance

What Evergreen Health Offers You:

• Multiple comprehensive medical health insurance plans for you to choose from
• Dental and Vision coverage at no cost to you
• Paid Time Off package that equals 4 weeks of time in your first year
• 403b with a generous company match
• Paid parking or monthly metro pass
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid lunch breaks