Community Access Services

The Linkage Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of linkage and navigation, and recruitment for HIV positive incarcerated men through the Criminal Justice Initiative. The Linkage Specialist also affiliates with representatives from ten (10) NYS correctional facilities to ensure coordination and the execution of grant services.

As part of the essential functions of this role, the Linkage Specialist:

• Provides HIV navigation and ARTAS for people living with HIV ensuring treatment adherence, and coordination with DOCCS Discharge Planning Unit (DPU), Senior Utilization Review Nurse (SURN), health services (HS), offender rehabilitation counselors (ORCs), other funded Linkage Specialists (LS) throughout the state and the community linkage specialists (CLS) in NYC
  
• Conducts a comprehensive health/risk assessment for clients who resides and exits the correctional facility, inclusive of medical, behavioral health, and social service needs
• Completes individualized client-centered Linkage Action Plan with clients to identify health goals and establish an action plan for accomplishing these goals
• Assists with scheduling and linkage to services to achieve care goals including medical care, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, prevention services, patient education, and self- management
• Maintains complete and accurate client and program files in compliance with agency confidentiality policies and grant requirements; enters all required data into electronic reporting system
• Conducts outreach and engagement activities to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) staff and offenders to promote services, engage unknown HIV positive individuals, and promotes linkage and navigation to People Living with HIV
• 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

Qualified Candidate will have an Associate’s degree in Health and Human Services or related field (Bachelor’s 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. Candidate must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and an insured, dependable car for work-related travel.

Job Type: Full-time

Required education: Associate’s

Required experience: Coordinating and providing services directly to clients within correctional setting

Additional requirement(s): Must have dependable, insured vehicle and NYS Driver’s License; Must be able to pass gate clearance