Psychosocial Specialist

Phoenix, AZ

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Under general supervision, provides direct covered services and treatment to individual clients, coordinates with community support and stakeholders. Responsible for managing appointment schedule as well as conducting targeted outreach to people with a known HIV disease so they may be enrolled in care and treatment services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Has an associates degree, high school diploma, or a high school equivalency diploma.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other STD transmission.
• Able to work a flexible schedule as needed per program requirements.
• Must successfully complete the agencys orientation and demonstrate competence regarding skills and knowledge per R9-20-204.
• Have good organization and time management skills.
• Must have basic computer skills; possess good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have access to safe transportation, valid Arizona drivers license and automobile insurance as required in the State of Arizona. Must be willing to travel throughout Maricopa County.
• Knowledge of the Ryan White healthcare system, a plus.
• Bilingual language skills in English/Spanish and as appropriate to population required.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must be capable of working with diverse cultural population.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to assist clients in securing such services.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

Facilitate weekly dynamic peer support psychosocial groups for Latinx individuals living with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis in Maricopa County in Spanish.

Educate group members on the fundamentals of the HIV virus and its effects on the body. (Basic methods of transmission, medication adherence, viral load suppression, U=U undetectable equals untransmittable, what cells are affected, opportunistic infections, and different ways to prevent the transmission of HIV to others).

Discuss in-depth the HIV life cycle (what are the different proteins involved such as, GP120, CCR5, reverse transcriptase, etc.) and the effects of HIV inside its host cell CD4 T lymphocyte.

Discuss how outside oppressors and barriers, such as, religion, stigma, HIV diagnosis disclosure, and family dynamic affect the day-to-day life of Latinx individuals living with HIV.

Implementation of evidence based CDC behavioral health interventions: Healthy Relationships, Choosing Life; Empowerment, Action, Results (CLEAR), Sin Buscar Excusas/No Excuses.

Collaborate with Arizona Department of Health and Maricopa County to facilitate state and local initiatives.

• Provide, assist, and link clients to community resources.
• Offer encouragement and support to clients, as needed.
• Empower clients with skills connected with activities of daily living.
• Provide clients with information about the agency and procedures.
• Provide non-judgmental, unconditional support to clients.
• Model effective coping techniques for clients.
• Participate and assist in providing a variety of support services for clients through support groups
• Produce and maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Accurately documents progress notes
• Recruit targeted individuals for program participation, workshops, community meetings, surveys, and other activities by developing and distributing outreach materials, directly contacting targeted community members, networking with appropriate community organizations, and utilizing the broadcast and print media.
• Maintain close professional relationships and liaisons with local service organizations in the target area.

JOB DEMANDS

Ability to travel within Maricopa and Pinal counties as needed. Able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION

Employee will be expected to participate in continuous learning, competency building and maintenance of competency skills.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in structured environments.