Patient Navigator

Background:

Based in East Harlem and Washington Heights, two long-standing and well-regarded harm reduction organizations in New York City are seeking a Patient Navigator. The non-profits, in the process of completing a merger, are innovative organizations serving low-income people who use drugs and other marginalized individuals. The wide range of mobile and center-based services are delivered by upwards of 80 staff and peer workers, and include syringe access, overdose prevention, public health, care coordination, medical care, holistic health services, peer education, and advocacy services.

The position:

NYHRE and WHCP are searching for a Patient Navigator, who will work closely with the Testing and Navigation Coordinator and will be responsible for providing an array of office and street-based harm reduction services to active substance users, injection drug users (IDUs), sex workers, and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C. The Patient Navigator will be primarily responsible for conducting outreach; HIV and HCV testing, counseling, and linkage to medical care; and aid with educational interventions. All activities are designed to be consistent with the NYHRE and WHCP service model, which is based on educating and empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and make self-identified changes in their lives.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct HIV and HCV testing, counseling, and linkage to follow up medical care. Provide basic HIV and HCV education.
• In a manner consistent with Harm Reduction principles, provide substance use and sexual risk assessments and discuss individualized risk reduction and harm reduction strategies (incl. safer injection practices, HIV/AIDS, HCV, sexually transmitted infections, safer sex practices, over-dose prevention, buprenorphine and other topics relevant to people who use drugs).
• Facilitate linkages to HIV/HCV medical care providers and supportive services to assist in removing barriers to accessing treatment.
• Maintain accurate, consistent, complete records on all program activities and participants.
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at all sites, including crisis intervention and conflict resolution between participants.
• Advocate for NYHRE participants and our communities and empower participants to advocate for themselves.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with the health care providers and community agencies providing services to participants.
• Conduct community outreach to foster good community relations, educate about program services and assess need.
• In accordance with agency policies and procedures (and public health regulations), distribute syringes and other health-related resources and tools (and collect used syringes). Adhere to needle stick prevention guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements and Experience:

• This is a “peer” position, so significant life experience in the areas of substance use and/or sex work and HIV and/or HCV are required.
• Certification in rapid HIV/HCV antibody testing preferred.
• Must be able to provide education, linkage and treatment navigation for HIV and HCV.
• Must be an organized, self-motivated team-player, with strong interpersonal and communication skills, basic computer skills and the ability and willingness to be hands-on and solve problems as they arise.
• Must be committed to the principles of Harm Reduction and to working with low-income people who use drugs and sex workers.
• Must be willing to work outdoors at our street sites (sometimes in inclement weather) and conduct intensive outreach. Hours may vary and include weekends and nights.
• Knowledge of the Bronx and East Harlem IDU/ substance use communities preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.