Hiv Intensive Case Worker

JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Job Title

Intensive Case Worker

Department

Direct Client Services

Reports to

Director of Client Services

Effective Date

July 10thor sooner

Job Descriptions are not intended to “list” all duties/responsibilities of any

position. The objective of this Job Description is to provide an overview of the

job, as well as outlining the primary accountabilities, prerequisite experience

and education, and general working conditions. Each Job Description also

provides the basis for goal-setting and performance management for the

incumbent(s) in the position.

Job Summary

Intensive case management is a multi-step process to ensure timely access to and coordination of medical and psychosocial services for a person with HIV/AIDS. This two-year project is aimed at addressing the needs of the HIV community in Kenora, Ontario. It is funded through the Ontario HIV/AIDS Treatment Network and delivered in partnership between Elevate NWO and the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy. The intended outcomes of HIV/AIDS Intensive Case Management for persons living with HIV/AIDS include:

• Early Access to and maintenance of comprehensive health care and social services.
• Improved integration of services provided across a variety of settings.
• Access to traditional medicines, ceremonies, and Knowledge Keepers/Elders, when appropriate,
• Enhances continuity of care.
• Prevention of disease transmission through Harm Reduction practices including but not limited to PreP.
• Increase in knowledge of HIV disease.
• Reinforcement of Harm Reduction practices,
• Improved quality of life

Key Responsibilities

• Use a status-neutral intensive case management approach, linking individuals at-risk of acquiring HIV and/or HCV to the outreach worker.
• Support the community service mapping process with the Table of Partners to identify health, wellbeing, cultural and social services/programs and pathways between these services.
• Establish themselves as a first contact point for ongoing care and support for people newly diagnosed with HIV to help newly diagnosed individuals and partner staff secure ongoing care and support.
• Build trusting relationships with individuals newly diagnosed with HIV and help each individual referred to them to create a plan for their HIV care and support needs, providing introductions and referrals and support with any barriers encountered.
• Support the coordination of HIV services in the region through regular meetings with through the Table of Partners. This will include testing, linkage to care, education on status neutral approach, education on using PrEP with at-risk individuals, HIV and Indigenous-specific harm reduction health promotion programs and increasing access to harm reduction services.
• Establish a referral network that facilitates the provision of services to people newly diagnosed with HIV, including, but not limited to, referrals to primary care physicians, referrals to AIDS Service Organizations, supportive counselling and services for mental health comorbidities, housing support, legal supports, as well as any additional services needed to support the transition to care.
• Offering support to increase access to education for both community and service providers (including facilitating workshops as needed), especially for PrEP, Indigenous harm reduction, addressing stigma, and any other education and/or health promotion topics identified by community and partners.
• Work directly with the Outreach Worker to provide enhanced supports to clients
• Work directly with the Outreach Worker and community partners to ensure engagement in care, treatment and support.
• To link directly with Elevate NWO clinical services for additional support or on an as-needed basis.

Education, Training & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Case Management experience or at least one year of work experience in advocacy services or similar public work in direct services or educational background in the social services field.
• Flexibility to attend meetings and training may fall outside the regularly assigned work hours.
• Previous experience working with Indigenous peoples and community, and a good understanding of Indigenous history, cultures and knowing, being and doing.
• Excellent communication skills and ability for detail.
• Understanding and awareness of all sexual orientations including the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Communities.
• Sensitivity to the psychosocial issues concerning individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
• Must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities promptly and appropriately. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance and driver’s license, a copy of which will be placed in